La Nymphe

Posted by Jon Miller on Saturday 20th of June 2026 17:00

Captain William Peere Williams, of his Majesty’s ship Flora, to Mr Stephens, dated at Falmouth, the 15th of August, 1780 -
On Thursday the 10th instant at half past four in the afternoon, standing in under Ushant, in quest of the fleet, the wind at that time ENE, we discovered through the haze a square-rigged vessel and cutter under our lee, laying too with their heads to the northward, distant from us about four miles; whereupon made sail, beat to quarters, and edged towards them, which the ship perceiving, wore, hauled to the wind, backed her mizen sail, and waited our approach, the cutter, working off and on.
At ten minutes past five we got a-breast of her, and within two cables length, upon shewing our colours, received her fire, which we instantly returned, and continued briskly on both sides for about an hour, gradually nearing each other; whence our wheel being shot away, our shrouds, running rigging, and backstays much cut, we dropped on board of her, and continued the engagement in that position about 15 minutes; the enemy then deserting their great guns attempted to board us, but were instantly repulsed with loss. Our people boarded them in return, sword in hand, struck their colours, and in a short time took possession of the ship, which proved to be a French frigate called the Nymphe, commanded by the Chevalier de Remain, who died the same evening of the wounds he received in the action. She is four years old, is copper bottomed, mounts 32 guns, though pierced for 40, and her complement consists of 291 men. She had been only four days out of Brest, and was employed upon reconnoitring service off that port. W P Williams.

Return of killed and wounded on board the Flora – Killed, Mr Bisset, midshipman, 6 seamen, and two marines. Wounded, Mr Creed, master, 13 seamen, and 4 marines , of which 3 are since dead. The Flora monted 36 guns, and 259 men.
On board La Nymphe – Killed, First captain, second ditto, first lieutenant, other officers, seamen and marines, 60. Wounded, second lieutenant, two officers of marines, two volunteers, other officers, seamen and marines, 63. [Hampshire Chronicle, 21 August 1780]