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L'Espérance

16507
Nominal Guns32BWAS-1714
NationalityRoyaume de France
OperatorMarine Royale
Keel Laid Down1779BWAS-1714
Acquired1779BWAS-1714
First Commissioned2.1780BWAS-1714
ShipyardBordeaux - Guyenne BWAS-1714
CategoryFifth RateBWAS-1714
National RateQuatrième RangBWAS-1714
Ship TypeFrigateBWAS-1714
Sailing RigShip RiggedBWAS-1714
Captured30.9.1780BWAS-1714
Becomes

Dimensions


DimensionMeasurementTypeMetric EquivalentBWAS-1714
Length of Gundeck134' 0"Imperial Feet40.8432 
Length of Keel113' 0"Imperial Feet34.4424 
Breadth35' 0"Imperial Feet10.668 
Depth in Hold13' 9"Imperial Feet4.0386 
Burthen736 2894Tons BM 

Armament


30.9.1780Broadside Weight = 162 French Livre (174.8304 lbs 79.299 kg)BG
Gun Deck26 French 12-Pounder
Quarterdeck2 French 6-Pounder

Crew Complement


Date# of MenNotesSource
30.9.1780173 BG

Service History


DateEventSource
30.9.1780Taken by
Pearl (32) 1762-1832
British 32 Gun
5th Rate Frigate
1825 Renamed "Prothee"
BG


Notes on Ship


CaptureBG

 

Extract of a letter from Captain George Montagu, of His Majesty's Ship Pearl, to Sir George Brydges Rodney

On the 30th of September we fell in with a French Ship, who engaged us close for 2 hours, and maintained a running fight for 2 hours and an Half -more, when she struck. She proved to be L'Esperance, from Cape François, bound to Bordeaux, a Frigate belonging to the King, but loaded by the merchants, and having only a Letter of Marque, mounting 26 12-pounders on her main-deck, and 2 6-pounders on her quarter-deck, with 173 men : She had 20 men killed and 24 wounded. I think it a justice due to the Captain, to say, that he defended his Ship with great bravery. The Pearl had 6 men killed, and 10 wounded ; among, the former was First Lieutenant Foulke of Marines, and the latter Mr. Dunbar, Master. The very cool and determined behaviour of the Officers and Ship's Company merits my most sincere acknowledgements.



 
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