Unicorn vs Vestale, 8th January 1761

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Unicorn vs Vestale

8th January 1761
Part of : Seven Years' War (1756/05/17 - 1763/02/10)
Previous action : Constantine vs Victorieux 23.11.1760
Next action : Seahorse vs Aigrette 10.1.1761
 

Great Britain

 
Ship NameCommanderNotes
Unicorn (28) 1748-1771
British 28 Gun
6th Rate Frigate
Joseph HuntBritish
Naval Sailor
Service 1741-1751
†		 CO Killed
 

Royaume de France

 
Ship NameCommanderNotes
La Vestale (30) 1756-1761
French 30 Gun
5th Rate Frigate
 † Captured
 

Notes on Action


DescriptionTRN3
On January 8th, 1761, the Unicorn, 28, Captain Joseph Hunt, cruising off Penmarck, fought a sharp action with, and captured, the Vestale, 32, which later became the Flora in the British Navy. The captains of both ships were mortally wounded. On the following day the Unicorn chased, but could not come up with, the Aigrette, 32, and, on the 10th, saw her engage the Seahorse, 20, Captain James Smith, then carrying out astronomers to India to observe the transit of Venus. Again she tried to come up, but could not; and the Aigrette, having mauled the Seahorse considerably, refused to be further detained and forced to fight at a disadvantage.
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