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Charles Henri, comte d’Estaing, Journal Militaire, 1781-1783

1 volume

The Charles Henri, comte d’Estaing, Journal Militaire traces the role of France in the siege of Gibraltar, (August 15, 1781 April 12, 1783) and contains copies of orders sending Commander d'Estaing and his fleet to America, in early 1783.

The Charles Henri, comte d’Estaing, Journal Militaire is a 188-page volume, entitled, "Journal de l'Expedition de Mahón en 1781 et 1782; de l'Expedition de Gibraltar en 1782; de l'Expedition projetté en Amerique sous les Ordres de Monsr. le Cte d'Estaing en 1783." The volume is a French account, by an anonymous author, describing the campaign of the combined French and Spanish armies and fleets against the British at Minorca and Gibraltar, August 15, 1781-April 12, 1783. The volume also contains orders sent to d'Estaing directing him to prepare his fleet for America in early 1783.

In pages 1-65, the author detailed organization of the French forces in Toulon and its departure for the British held Port Mahón in Minorca. He described the make-up of the army at the siege, as well as casualties, weapons, troop movements, conditions of Fort St. Philip (Castell de San Felipe), and the eventual British capitulation. Also noted are disagreements among the French commanders.

In the remainder of the volume, pages 65-188, the author outlined the plan for sending troops to Gibraltar (April 1782), and described stops at various Spanish ports, such as Cádiz, Almería, Málaga, and Algeciras. He also discussed Gibraltar's fortifications, and the British use of heated shot to set fire to French ships. The journal reports on the activities of Louis Berton des Balbes Crillon, duc de Mahón, Marquis de Lafayette, and comte d'Estaing.

Entries of note include:
  • A list of ships involved in the siege of Gibraltar in June 1782 (page 99).
  • A description of the lead-up and action of the "Grand Assault" on September 13-17, 1782 (pages 120-126).
  • A notice of orders sent to d'Estaing on February 22, 1783, commanding him to prepare the fleet for America (page 170).
  • A list of ships to be sent first to America and then to the East Indies under the command of d'Estaing.
Collection

Charles W. Morgan general order book, 1841-1842

1 volume

The Charles W. Morgan general order book contains 57 orders (33 pages) that Morgan issued to the United States Navy Mediterranean Squadron on November 20, 1841, and April 11, 1842. The orders pertain primarily to officers' duties and conduct and to logistical issues.

The Charles W. Morgan general order book contains 57 orders (33 pages) that Morgan issued to the United States Navy's Mediterranean Squadron on November 20, 1841, and April 11, 1842. The orders pertain primarily to officers' duties and conduct, and to logistical issues.

The orders, issued at Port Mahon, Minorca, follow a 2-page introduction that states the necessity of discipline within the navy. Some guidelines pertain to the frequency of muster rolls, returns, financial records, and other reports; inspections of ships, guns, and handheld weapons; and regular training exercises. Many orders concern the health and conduct of officers and crew, including procedures for admitting the sick or infirm to a naval hospital. Morgan provided instructions for officers' conduct while on shore leave and forbade any sailor from discussing the fleet's movements with unauthorized individuals. One order contains a list of salutes (order 30, pp. 14-15), and others call for the establishment of shipboard schools for midshipmen (order 49, pp. 27-28) and boys (order 51, p. 29). The final order prohibits crews and officers from presenting swords or other acknowledgments to commanding officers (order 57, pp. 32-33).