Document: Mission of the Vanneau to the English Coast, 12–18 August 1787

Abstract

A lively account of a short reconnaissance mission in the Channel by the captain of the French vessel Vanneau, held in the Archives Nationales, is interesting for the glimpse it gives of naval relations in the period immediately prior to the Dutch crisis of September 1787.Footnote¹ Since the peace of 1783, British officers had been frequent visitors to the breakwater project at Cherbourg, especially during the visit of Louis XVI in June 1786.Footnote² In return the Vanneau’s captain appears to have been cordially received in Portsmouth…

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Filed under: English Channel | Other (Eighteenth C)
Subjects include: Strategy & Diplomacy