The following are a few French Faction first Event cards and the associated history:

60. Comte d’Orvilliers Builds a Fleet at Brest

In 1777 D’Orvilliers was appointed Lieutenant-General of the Navy and worked to prepare the navy for conflict with the British including the preparation of a fleet in Brest.

64. The Affair of Fielding and Bylandt

In 1779, a British squadron (Captain Fielding) encountered a large Dutch convoy (Rear-Admiral van Bylandt) near the Isle of Wight. Captain Fielding requested permission to search these ships for contraband, but it was refused. On the next day, boats were sent, on which the Dutch fired, and the British warships replied. Van Bylandt struck but Captain Fielding refused to accept the surrender, and returned to port with nine prizes, which were later condemned.

69. Admiral Pierre André de Suffren

Admiral Pierre André de Suffren was a French admiral noted for his daring tactics, who fought the British in Indian waters during the American Revolution.

71. Treaty of Amity and Commerce

Article 1: “If War should break out (between France) and Great Britain, during the continuance of the present War (between) the United States and England, his Majesty and the said United States, shall make it a common cause, and aid each other mutually with their good Offices, their Counsels, and their forces, according to the exigence of Conjunctures as becomes good & faithful Allies.”

Articles in this Series: Part 1  Part 2  Part 3  Part 4

Author: Harold Buchanan