The first naval engagement of the Blockade of Saint-Domingue, notable for a French frigate evading three British ships of the line.
Key Facts
- Date of action
- 28 June 1803
- British ships of the line
- 3 (74-gun each)
- French vessels involved
- Poursuivante (frigate) and Mignonne (corvette)
- French vessel captured
- Mignonne
- French vessel escaped
- Poursuivante, into Môle-Saint-Nicolas
- Commemorative painting commissioned
- 1819, by Louis-Philippe Crépin
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The collapse of the Treaty of Amiens led Britain to declare war on France on 18 May 1803 as part of the War of the Third Coalition. French ships Poursuivante and Mignonne, both partially armed en flûte, were unaware of the renewed hostilities when they encountered British forces off Saint-Domingue.
Three British 74-gun ships of the line intercepted the French frigate Poursuivante and corvette Mignonne near Saint-Domingue. Mignonne was overhauled and captured, but Poursuivante, commanded by Jean-Baptiste Philibert Willaumez, sailed close to shore, outmanoeuvred HMS Hercule, delivered a raking broadside, and escaped into Môle-Saint-Nicolas.
The escape of Poursuivante brought high praise to Willaumez for his seamanship in evading a far superior force. The action was commemorated in a large painting commissioned in 1819 from artist Louis-Philippe Crépin, and the engagement marked the opening of the British blockade of Saint-Domingue.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
Jean-Baptiste Philibert Willaumez.