Campagne de M. le Comte d’Estaing en Amérique, ou Mémoire pour servir de réfutation au Libelle contre ce Vice-Amiral.

Although the author is unknown, he was an officer of the squadron commanded by Comte d'Estaing which was sent by France in 1778 to aid the American patriots. He gives a detailed account of the encounter with the British fleet under Lord Howe near Newport. He also gives a valuable firsthand report of the violent storm that separated the two fleets, making it necessary for d'Estaing to retire to Boston for repairs instead of remaining to support the American land forces. This compelled General Sullivan to evacuate Rhode Island and leave Newport to the British.

Charles-Hector, Comte d'Estaing was a vice-admiral in the French navy and the senior naval officer in American waters during the Revolutionary War. He transported the first contingent of French land forces to Rhode Island in 1778 and participated in 1779 in the siege of Savannah. He supported the Revolution in France after 1789 and died on the gallows during the Reign of Terror.
12mo. Disbound. A Bruxelles, 1782. Written in response to: Extrait du Journal d'un Officier de la Marine de l'Escadre de M. le Comte d'Estaing. (Issued without publisher or place) 1782. (Howes: "The unidentified author [possibly Captain Walsh, the Chevalier O'Connor] is highly critical of the conduct of his superior. A defense against his charges appeared at Brussels in 1782: Le campagne en Amérique de . . . Estaing.")


Lower right edge of title page slightly chipped, with no loss to text; o/w a very nice, clean copy. Scarce. $ 1750.00