Battles of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic eras (2): Cybèle v Minerva, 4 January 1792

We are in the northern Indian Ocean, west of India for the second battle of the revolutionary and Napoleonic era.

Cybèle and Minerva (closest to camera) 'cruising together'.

This action, historically a non-action, was a follow-up from the previous Battle of Tellicherry and occurred during the Third Mysore War as part of the on-going 'phony war' between Britain and France.

James' and Troude's histories, written later in the century, provide slightly different accounts.

James states “It appears, however, that the Cybele and Resolue afterwards got under way and put to sea, attended by the Minerva and Phoenix; who cruised with them several days, and also brought to some vessels under French colours without interruption. M. Saint-Felix subsequently despatched the Resolue on another service; and Commodore Cornwallis did the same with the Phoenix. The Minerva and Cybele were thus left cruising together; but, although the two commodores kept each other’s company for some days, we hear of no further altercation between them.”

Troude reports “On 4th January 1792, the frigate Cybèle mounted by the chief of division Saint-Félix, was met by night by the English frigate Minerva, commanded by Commodore Comwallis, who fired a cannon shot. This superior officer pretended to have been mistaken and gave as an excuse that, in the position of the English opposite Typpo Saïb, he should visit all the ships he encountered.”

So, either 'no altercation' or a single, ranging shot that caused some ructions but did not develop into a more serious exchange. Does not seem to be much of an action for a wargame.

I decided that it would be good to include it as a ship-to-ship duel, to the 'death'. That'd make more of a game and get me/us in the swing for re-fighting later ship-to-ship actions that occurred once the nations were actually at war.

James' and Troude's descriptions provide three important pieces of information: the names of the ships and captains (flags of both fleets), they were running parallel and that it was night. There is no distance listed for visibility at night in the rules, so we decided to use the option 'light and fog' which is 300 mm and 600 mm for gun flashes.

Julian and Stephen made the significant trek over and up respectively to join me for this small game—"the most fun that you'll have with just two ships" as I sold it to Stephen. He took the rôle of Cornwallis on the Minerva, Julian of Saint-Félix aboard Cybèle. Julian and I worked through the rules, as necessary.

Minerva wore to starboard to intercept Cybèle.

(The cloth that I used for this game is a deep blue. For some reason my phone's camera made it grey. A good 'mistake' under the circumstances of a night action!)

Cybèle ahead, increasing the gap between the two. 

The run and pursuit continued, with the ships criss-crossing.

Cybèle reduced sail, and Minerva gained some 'ground' (sea?).

Would Minerva ever catch up?

The ships crossed paths once more.

Minerva was closing in and sailing significantly faster (thanks to Cybèle's deliberate slowing).

(Note the blue cloth) Minerva unleashed her port broadside of double shot at point blank range, killing 18 of Cybèle's crew and disabling three of her starboard broadsides. What could Cybèle do in reply? Nothing. Julian had forgotten to load the starboard broadside! "I was focussed on my strategy and forgot the tactics." he admitted.

We play 'for keeps', but not for sheep stations, so Stephen said, "C'mon, no captain would have left that broadside unloaded." But Julian was adamant and happy, As 'umpire' (of sorts), I thought that we should leave it too. "Part of the game."

Minerva sailed on, pleased with the result.

Attempting another criss-cross, Minerva was surprised when Cybèle ran into her, fouling the two ships.

This was the strategy that Julian was focussed on. Cornwallis sent a boarding party across to Cybèle, whose crew stood by to defend.

An intense mêlée raged on the decks of Cybèle as the ships drifted. It looked like 'Tellicherry all over again' as the English got on board and captured the upper deck. But more and more of the French crew joined the fight (aided by Julian's dice being impeccable and of the right magnitude at every stage), so the boarders were driven back to the ship's edge and then back to Minerva all together.

It had been an intense struggle. The crew of Cybèle was reduce by 70 men, including Saint-Félix himself. Minerva's lost 124 marines and sailors.

With Saint-Félix dead, the French second in command had no desire to try to capture Minerva. For his part, Cornwallis was content to see the ships cut away from one another. The official reports would tell that 'no further altercation occurred', although that which did was significantly more in this parallel, miniature universe.

It was a fantastic day, a fine game and a wonderful gathering of three friends with the same interest (obsession). I did not move a ship and I had an absolute ball. The fellas enjoyed themselves.

- Stephen reported that "I've never had so much fun from so few figures."

- Julian that "It was a blast!"

As readers of this blog know, I don't do speaking in code so will take them both at their words!

About the game

Rules: Action Under Sail, second edition 1977

Nominal scale (none is given in the rules): turns represent ~1.5 minutes, ground scale 1/3000 (1 mm to 3 m)

Ships: 1/3000 scale Navwar (Minerva) and stratch-built (Cybèle)

That's it for things nautical for a while. I/we move to Saint Domingue for the next action in this "ultimate 'Napoleonic' world series".

I originally had action no. 3 as the Battle of Croix-des-Bouquets which occurred on 22nd March 1792, but reading Dubois and Garrigus' excellent "Slave Revolution in the Caribbean 1789–1804" revealed a description from the Philadelphia General Advertiser of October–November 1791 of a significant action at one of Gallifet's plantations on 20th September 1791. The other book by Dubois "Avengers of the New World" (finally) arrived at our PO box yesterday, so I'll collect it today. I'm hoping that there might be more detail of the attack on the (former) slave's barricade on 20/9/91. There may well be other, early actions that I will include.

Regardless, whether from 20/9/91 or an earlier action, it will be action no. 3 and it will be some time before it makes it to the table. I have zero figures painted, in fact, I have only washed the ones that I have earmarked and am still considering which figs I'll use to represent the régiments du Haut du Cap and Petite Anse.

Whether I do this at lightning speed and manage late April, or the more likely target of May-June (or even later), is of no matter. I am fortunate to be 'booked' for games at John's and Julian's for two week's time and the 1st April (no joke), respectively.

Games, painting, reading/research. I continue to be one happy little vegemite!

References

James, W (1902) The naval history of Great Britain : from the declaration of war by France in 1793, to the accession of George IV. Vol. I. First Published 1822. Macmillan and Co. Limited, London. p. 132.

Troude, O (1867) Batailles navales de la France. Tome Second. Challamel Ainé, Paris. pp. 268–270.

Project 64: paint like it's ya day job

I was thinking about this as I was walking along the beach at Dongara last weekend.

'See, I have made a start already'*.

Now with red bits done, plus a bit more white on about half of them.

(*Julian and I were joking the other day about comparing ourselves to David Essex's artilleryman character in Jeff Wayne's version of "War of the Worlds").

Like most people, I assume, I have generally fitted in hobby activities when time and motivation allowed. Painting being a sub-set of this. Now that I have the opportunity to commit more time to it I want to have a bit of structure so that I don't waste the opportunity. Setting up 'painting time' seems a logical way to do this.

How much time could I reasonably commit? How can I set boundaries to 'control myself' with the hobby obsession and ensure that I get on with other things that I want and need to do? Or, the corollary, make sure that I make some hobby time and don't have weeks of 'drought' on the hobby front? I settled on trying to 'schedule' a couple of hours in the late afternoon.

I then did some calculations.

I should be able to do this for a minimum of three days a week. Of course, this will not happen for 52 weeks of a year. We regularly get heat waves in summer when the paint dries before you can get it on the figure. On the other side, while our winters are mild compared with what northern hemisphere bloggers experience, there are days, especially cold mornings or evenings/nights when I don't feel like going to my shed. Let's take off four weeks each for these. Leaves 44. I want this to be a minimum calculation, so round down to 40.

That's 6 x 40 = 240 hours. Bringing it back to the working analogy, it equates to six weeks of five days of eight hours each. Six solid working weeks of painting. Not something that I'd like to do, but sounds like a significant block of time, especially as a minimum estimate.

This is specifically for painting. I am not considering reading, planning, compiling orders of battle, games, figure prep., ...looking at other's blogs!

Of course, plans, like budgets, are always wrong, but the thinking involved in developing them is important to focus attention and realise limitations. This is no exception.

Last week was a case in point. We were still away in Dongara on Monday, so I was able to have some longer painting sessions than I would generally allow myself at home (aside from when I have and will do 'binge painting' to complete something). Still, forgetting Monday, it went reasonably to plan/budget. I managed about 3–4 hours over Wednesday and Thursday, none on Friday and Saturday, but 'treated myself' to a couple of two-hour sessions yesterday. So, a bit more than the minimum target of six hours per week.

Ah, but I like to consider that the week begins on Sunday, so last week was either under target, if I exclude the 'bonus' time while in Dongara, or heaps over target if I do. Nothing like confusing one's self with one's own propaganda!

We'll see what (the rest of) this week brings...

These figs are the most advanced, with red, white and blue done. I aim to get the others to this stage (at least) this week, which will leave the significant additions of brown, black (silver and bronze/gold), followed by details (buttons and so on) and touch-ups.

Project 64: progress with French infantry of the revolutionary period

I set up a temporary painting desk on the small table in our room and have been happily progressing with painting these early French infantry that have been waiting so long to be completed.

Temporary painting desk.

I had not realised when I packed it that this container that I brought to hold my wash water (which formerly contained cotton buds) had three small air holes in the bottom. I employed an empty ice coffee carton for the job.

More of the major colours (red, white, blue) added to the figures at right. Before we head home tomorrow, I'd like to finish the red on all of the figures and perhaps some white and/or blue on some of them.

It is so enjoyable to paint some French infantry again, which I have not done for ages. Even more so to work on my revised painting technique (modified Mitch method) and even more-erer to be getting these figures painted!

Along with these works of fiction, i.e. French circa 1796 that are gonna see service from 1792–1805-6, I also painted a single figure based on the best of history.

A representation of Napoleon as he lead the famous cavalry charge at Waterloo, as depicted so brilliantly in that historically accurate biopic directed by Sir R.S.

In case you missed it, or simply to bring back the enjoyment all over again, here are some stills from the film.

You'll recall how Sir R.S. so vividly recreated this historic moment.

Napoleon ordered an advance against the British infantry, that had been defending in square against French cuirassiers. The wily British deployed into line as the cuirassiers retreated in disorder towards the French lines, past their Emperor seated calmly on horse back in front of his deployed line of infantry. Napoleon ordered the infantry line to advance. They took casualties from the volleys of the British line. The Emperor ordered the cavalry to advance and personally lead them in a charge in support of the infantry. From his command position behind the entrenchments on the ridge, Wellington calmly ordered 'cavalry will advance', sending the Life and Horse Guards into the fray. It was a hotly contest mêlée, but then, the Prussians arrived, on the British left (west) flank, to tip the balance of the battle.

Such brilliant cinematography. Such an accurate representation of the battle.

Strangely, there is not a figure of Napoleon leading a cavalry charge, certainly not in 1/72. Still, the sculptors and figure manufacturers were not there, so what would you expect? I improvised a conversion using one of the Mameluks from the Hat set.

Another photo taken under natural light, from a different side.

A photo taken under the painting lamp, showing my attempt to represent the pose from the third of the stills above.

This time at wargamer's distance, on the balcony of our room , looking at the Indian Ocean, a small section of the 3 500 km of coastline and near-continuous beach that we have in Western Australia.

 

I decided to make my figure of N leading the charge at Waterloo, rather than the other, celebrated occasion when he lead the charge at Borodino. On that occasion he even donned his former uniform as a republican general, no doubt to produce an added morale effect for the troops. In fact, some of them followed suit, which I am sure put the hee-bee jee-bees up the Russians! Perhaps I should do a figure in this uniform to use in earlier games featuring Napoleon as a general? This won't be until 1796, so there is a bit of time, if I decide to do so.

For now, some stills from the bio-pic will have to suffice.

I am happy with my amateur representation of the Emperor in one of his finest moments; another of my 21 Napoleons, now probably up to 23, that I have in progress and planned. It'll be a beaut figure to use later this month when I head to John's for a game using General d'Armée. He'll be fitting for the 'magic' that is c-in-c commands, especially glory!

Enacting Project 64

(Image from Clipart Library)

[Warning: the following is wordy and self-indulgent]

The idea of a Project 64 came into my head while I was thinking about doing this post. There is no such thing, of course.

There could perhaps be a Project 15, 'cause it began to formulate about 15 years ago as a dream that I have been working towards since. Or perhaps Project 60, since I expected to be able to make significant progress from that age—fortunately I have been able to remove the 'impediment' of full-time work a bit earlier.

I refer, of course, to what several readers of this blog termed 'an ambitious project'. Yeah, I know, "Sure James," snigger, snigger, knowing smile and wink, "as if you are gonna be able to do *that*." Well, you can wipe the smirks off ya faces, 'cause as long as I am able to put sh!t up on this blog, it's gonna be a going concern! 😜😀😂

All jokes (and joking rudeness) aside though, I wondered that myself. Several times.

For years I worked on the easy, first step; acquiring resources, mainly figures but also reference material for the background and details of actions and orders of battle. In more recent years I have spent a lot of time on orders of battle, especially for the largest actions of each campaign. This 'informed' step one as it lead to a few 'needs' to fill gaps.

That was all great, but progress on the most time consuming bit, painting the figures, was haphazard and slow. I was lead from one campaign to another campaign by my own butterfly behaviour and as I joined games with others and thought, "Yeah, I'll do up some/most/all of my figures for that." The result is that I have loads of figures that are 50–75% there, more that are prep'd only—and more that are merely sorted into drawers and boxes. I have posted several times about how I am gonna approach it and how I am working on this or that load of figures. Hmmmm.... Was this after all, a stupid pipe dream that is difficult enough for a well-directed wargamer to achieve, but nigh on impossible for one easily distracted, like me?

This has changed, quite suddenly in the past few months; thanks to a few, small ships, and three people. Firstly, Julian. It was because of him wanting to try out "It's Warm Work" (which left both of us cold) that I looked at my 1/3000 ships and said to myself, "I should finish them one day." They were an example of what I mentioned above. I bought the first of them in 2004, half painted the French ones, then put them aside. I got them out occasionally, looked at them and put them away again, saying "one day". After the game with Julian I got them out and said, "B#gger it, let's just get on and assemble and paint them ALL." This was not an easy process, but I made myself stick to it. It even expanded when I thought about getting some more ships. Here we bring in the second and third 'influencers': Tim, who mentioned to Julian about the Forged in Battle ships (the latter duly passing on his suggestion to me) and then Keith who said to me, "What are you waiting for, just buy them!"

Completely those 1/3000 ships has me determined, 'focussed' and gettin' right into it. Hang on, I am lying to myself again; those ships are not all completely finished! Ah yes, but finalising the frigates for the game last Sunday showed me that they can be. The larger Navwar ships will be easier to work with, the Forged in Battle ships are easier still and I will be able to finalise the ships that I need ahead of games in the chronology. See, got you. (This is not a case of me kidding myself.)

The other development that has me excited, focussed and driven was working out how to make progress with the over-arching, 'ambitious project'. I had previously thought of a few approaches to try. I have considered doing the lot from sometime in the French Revolution, or perhaps picking a few key campaigns/battles so as to work from the beginning, middle and backwards 'all at once', more recently it was to focus on the 'Napoleonic' era, starting from 1796. Here's where those ships come in again.

Having enough ships to do it, I have already decided to attempt all of the naval actions from 1791. This is not a big challenge. I may not get enough time to get through them all, but will have enough ships completely-completed, in short order, to do so. A couple of weeks ago I thought, "Perhaps I should combine land and sea actions to mix up the games a bit and to help with the chronology?" I looked at including a selected few of the battles of the earlier revolutionary wars. Leafing through Digby Smith's "Napoleonic Wars Data Book", which is a great place to start to get an overview of most of the actions of a campaign, I saw battles of the Kosciusko Uprising (for which I already have some Russian figures in Potemkin uniform—albeit prep'd only :), but with others ear-marked for Polish regulars and scythemen), the War in the Vendée (which I had not considered before) and the Haitian Revolution (ditto). So, I thought, "D@mn it, let's go for the lot, from 1791–1815, on land and sea!"

This will provide a focus for figures to paint (be it finishing off some part-done or starting some of the collected 'resources' from scratch) and will bring in various campaigns/eras that I have wanted to do. I will slowly build armies that can be re-used in later years, building 'capacity: such as early Russians (Potemkin, post-1796 and, eventually, 1805), early Austrians in kasket (for early Revolution to 1800), early Prussians (I'm happy to use the 1806 uniform from 1792), early Spanish (suitable out to 1809) and so on. Furthermore, I can structure my reading around the campaigns/wars as they occur. No wonder I have been so excited these past few weeks!

With the ships 'under control', it is time to move to terrestrial forces. We are off soon for a few days by the coast. We have made the same trip for the last few years, enjoy the location and don't do a lot while we are there, so it is an ideal time to get some figures painted! I have duly packed up 236 early French infantry that have been 'screaming' to be finished for ages now.

Box 1. Prior to today, I had not touched these figures since I applied my basing material to them in January 2022. Today I added white to the figures of regular infantry (ex-Royal army).

Box 2. Also with white painted on the few figures in the white uniform of previous regular infantry.

Having painted the former regulars, I decided to paint a few of the figures that will be in the uniforms of the revolution (and beyond). In these photos they have had the main colours applied (apart from black). It was my first go at painting a flag of this era. This one is for the 75eme demi-brigade de ligne (aka 75e ligne) from 1796, Army of Italy, which is the focus for these figures—but they will end up in other theatres, campaigns and countries as well!.

Painting these few has given me more confidence.

It's also time to read up on the background to these early campaigns. I have two books to take with me.

This one about the French Revolution and Europe:

I picked it up sometime in the 1990s. Not read it yet(!), so it's a good way to refresh myself and to learn more about the French Revolution. I've not read about the revolution (apart from bios of Napoleon) since school. It will be interesting to see whether Saint Domingue gets a mention.

I know next to nothing about the revolt of the slaves (and others) in Saint Domingue—the Haitian Revolution—so ordered this book by Dubois and Garrigus when I decided on this path.

Dubois is one of the main scholars of the Haitian Revolution (and Caribbean history more broadly). This book is written as an introduction for university students. It has a brief introduction to the revolution and contains translations of 45 primary sources. I have read 21 of the 38 pages of the introduction. I am only up to 1794 but already know so much more than I did from skimming info. on the web (unsurprisingly). I have read a couple of the primary sources and they are fantastic sources of detail, events and attitudes.

I have a second, more detailed book by Dubois on the way.

This one is far more detailed about the background, course and effects of the revolution. I am hoping that it may arrived tomorrow before we leave, but it does not look likely.

I am on a path that two wargame-bloggers have trod recently. Stuart S of Dust Tears & Dice and Ray Roussell of Don't throw a 1. I follow both of their excellent blogs and will look to their entries about the Haitian Revolution for inspiration, particularly regarding figures and painting, as well as terrain, but I will not be trying to emulate the detail and beauty of what these fellas did in either respect!

Once I have finished Hampson's book, I will read another that I bought second hand in the '90s.

That will do for general background. I can then get into the detail via the histories of Thiers, Jomini and Phipps, as well as some more contemporary work.

So much wonderful enjoyment and edumication to be had!

Box full of joy

I mentioned briefly in my previous post about one of the added delights last Sunday; a 'mixed shoe box of joy', courtesy of Mark H.

I knew that this was coming as, prior to him heading to the 'frozen north', Julian had mentioned that he had a box of figures that Mark had passed to him to give to me. I had even been given a preview of the contents as, when I mentioned to Mark that I had not yet thanked him for them as I'd not caught up with Julian, he sent me the link to his post 'more stuff gone'.

I probably should have waited as I like surprises, but had a look and was excited to see all of those lovely Airfix and Esci figures! Of course, I have many/most of them already, but they are so dear to me and I am finding more to do with them. Besides, you can never have to much of a good thing!

I mentioned to Mark that I'd be able to be surprised and overjoyed all over again sometime in February when Julian got back. So it was. Even more.

It was more marvellous than Mark's photos suggested. So many figures!

Airfix 01710 Foreign Legion, officer figure

Airfix 01736 Waterloo French Cavalry (Cuirassiers), 18 figures

Airfix 01737 Waterloo French Artillery, 27 figs and 2 guns

Airfix 01739 Washington's Army, 41 figures

Airfix 01740 British Grenadiers, 7 figures

Airfix 01743 Waterloo British Cavalry (Hussars), 28 figures

Airfix 01744 Waterloo French Infantry, 113 figures

Airfix 01745 Waterloo British Infantry, 15 figures

Airfix 01746 Waterloo British Artillery, 25 figures & 3 guns

Airfix 01749 Waterloo French Imperial Guard, 99 figures

Airfix 01756 Waterloo Prussians, 104 figures

Esci 217 'Scots Greys' British Cavalry, full set (12)

Esci 218 'Polish Lancers' French Cavalry, full set (12)

Esci 219 British and French Artillery, full set (16 crew and 4 guns)

Esci 221 Russian Infantry and Artillery, full set (30 figs and 2 guns)

Hät 8001 1805 Napoleonic French Mamelukes, full set (12)

That's 560 figures & 11 guns, not to mention the associated horses and lots of useful 'spare parts'. Furthermore, these are in addition to 7 1/2 boxes, 155 loose figures and an aircraft kit that he gave me in March last year!

An added 'bonus' were some of Mark's conversions. He does/did excellent conversions (there were a few in the previous 'haul'), but there are two that I especially want to highlight. How good are these?

The loading figure for French artillery is such a ripper. It took me a while to work out what the base figure was. It was the stand and legs that gave it away. A minor touch-up to address the wearing of time and these will be ready to go. The marching dragoon will be added to my own units (painted Waterloo 1815 and Strelets figures) and that wonderful loader will be combined with other figures to man a French battery.

The excitement does not end there.

As wonderful serendipity would have it, I have an immediate, 'off-label' use for 48 of the Airfix figures (added to some that I already have). Two of the full sets will are perfect for other uses that will not be far behind. More all that when they are done.

I am one spoilt, happy little vegemite.

Thank you so much for such a(nother) generous gift Mark.

Battles of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic eras (1): The Battle of Tellicherry, 19 November 1791

Yesterday was the first day of the rest of my life.

The early stages of yesterday's game, English frigates (HMS Phoebe in the van, followed by HMS Perseverance) making their way past the indicator of the wind direction (located at table bottom-right).

It was the beginning of something that has been bubbling around as an idea for years, about which I have chopped and changed my thinking of how to enact, but now, thanks in great measure to my focus on ships for the past several months, has gelled clearly in my mind and has expanded to something wonderfully exciting. I'm gonna recreate all* of the actions of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars#.

(*most, or as many as possible/of interest)

(# several revolutionary and counter-revolutionary wars in addition to the Napoleonic wars: Haitian Revolution 1791–1804, French Revolutionary Wars 1792–1799 (or 1803, depending on whether one includes the Consulate), Polish-Russian War of 1792, War in the Vendée 1793–1796 & 1815, & Kościuszko Uprising 1794)

The aim is large, the beginning was small and the action was not even from one of those conflicts!

Nevertheless, it was a good place to start, since it was a naval action involving the French and British, based on an intriguing historical encounter which made for a fascinating game. Additionally, it was fitting and pleasing that it was the main focus for Julian and me catching up for the first time for this year.

Background

The Battle of Tellicherry occurred before the outbreak of any of the conflicts listed above. It was part of a 'phony war' between France and Britain, but was associated with the Third Anglo-Mysore War—another 'revolution' of sorts—involving Tipu Sultan of Mysore and the British East India Company.

As part of the morphing and blurring of Company and British rule of India, the Company's forces, which were lead by Sir Charles Cornwallis (he of the Yorktown surrender), Governor-General and commander in chief in India, was assisted in its campaign by ships of the British navy, under the command of his brother, Commodore William Cornwallis.

(Below are a couple of maps to help to place the locations mentioned in the following description.)

'Plan of Tellicherry Road on the Malabar Coast by Capt. Thomas Lynn of the Chatham, Man of War' circa 1784. This beautiful map, from the collection of the Bibliotèque Nationale de France extends from Mahé to just north of Tellicherry.
The entry from the National Library of Australia provides some more details: Map of Tellicherry Road, Malabar Coast showing forts, and depth by soundings. "Published according to Act of Parliament by A Dalrymple, May 7th, 1784." [From: Dalrymple's charts : a collection in 3 volumes of charts, maps and plans for navigation. London : published by A. Dalrymple, 1807?.]

A modern topographical map of the south-western Indian coastline, showing Mahé and Tellicherry (Thalassery) in the south to Mangalore (Mangaluru) in the north. 

The British suspected that the French were providing assistance to Tipu Sultan, so Commodore Cornwallis had ordered that all French ships of commerce be searched. On 23rd October, two of the ships of his command, the frigate HMS Phoenix (Sir Richard Strachan) and the sloop HMS Atalanta (Captain Foote), attempted to intercept a French merchantman that passed by Tellicherry. They were unable to catch up with the merchant ship, due to the light wind which prevailed, but followed it into the port of Mahé where Foote forcibly inspected it. No arms nor contraband were found.

Hearing of this, the French naval commander in the area, chef de division Saint-Félix dispatched one of his frigates, la Résolue under Captain Callamand, to proceed to Mahé to escort merchant ships. Accordingly, on the 19th November la Résolue and two merchant ships left Mahé and headed north for Mangalore. Passing by Tellicherry, Cornwallis ordered Captain Sir Richard Strachan to take his frigate HMS Phoenix along with HMS Perseverance (Captain Isaac Smith) to intercept and search the French merchantmen.

The game

We began the game with the English frigates, having left Tellicherry, in pursuit of la Résolue and the merchantmen.

In the foreground, La Résolue had outstripped the merchantmen, while in the distant background, the English frigates turned to a better position relative to the wind so as to gain on the small group of French ships. Strachan signalled the French to stop so as to be inspected, but received no reply.

The English frigates were soon parallel with the French, since la Résolue had slowed to allow the merchantmen to catch up.

Strachan enacted his plan to head off and intercept the French ships. Signalling again to the French, they sent the reply 'je ne comprends pas'.

As the English ships closed, Strachan ordered the firing of two ranging shots, by Phoebe between la Résolue and the first merchant ship, by Perseverance between the two merchantmen.

Outraged by this act of aggression, Callamand determined to fire a broadside at the lead English frigate as soon as they came within close range. Strachan had determined to do the same.

The exchange of broadsides caused some crew casualties on each ship. The French succeeded in starting a fire aboard the Phoebe (double five for the random factor), but it was immediately extinguished by the English crew. 

Carrying on, Strachan was able to achieve his desire of grappling la Résolue and sent over a boarding party. Taken by surprise, the French crew were unable to repel the boarders, so the fight continued...

Meanwhile, HMS Perseverance and the merchant ships turned to starboard and to port respectively so as to avoid the entangled frigates. The lead merchant ship reacted too late and was temporarily entangled with la Résolue, but the crew acted swiftly to release her. 

Captain Smith manoeuvred HMS Perseverance in line with his orders to occupy a post to leeward of the French ships. For their part, the captains of the merchant ships, reduced sail in order to heave too, not wishing to take part in a 'hot action'. On board la Résolue, the mêlée had moved below decks as the English, lead by Strachan in person, continued to gain the upper hand.

More French crew joined the fight to repel the British marines but, not realising their superior numbers, faced by a better organised, lead and motivated force, their morale gave way and...

 ...la Résolue was taken, striking her colours

We both enjoyed the game immensely. Though small and brief (we completed it in ten turns completed over a couple of leisurely hours), it presented lots of challenges and decisions for both of us.

Having only used the rules once before, we both had to start again with them, but slipped into gear quickly and they came through with colours still flying. I particularly enjoyed the boarding action, which was fought over three turns. We did not have one of these in our previous game, so began in a play-by-numbers fashion, but were completely au fait with the system by the second round. It was a near-run thing. The rules provide an weighting in favour of the defenders (appropriately in my thinking), so the English marines and selected crew needed their élite rating and the added bonus provided by Strachan's presence in the attack to tip the balance against the French weight of numbers and power of the defence.

About the game

Rules: Action Under Sail, second edition 1977

Nominal scale (none is given in the rules): turns represent ~1.5 minutes, ground scale 1/3000 (1 mm to 3 m)

Ships: 1/3000 scale Navwar and stratch-built (French frigate)

Historical comparison and implications

Wargamers who like to get into some detail with history are blessed today with such ready access to primary and what I would call 'contemporary secondary' sources. Such was the case for this action where my sources were the naval histories of James and Troude, but principally Strachan's letter to Cornwallis, written immediately after the action.

Strachan's letter is a fabulous, primary source that is available from the digital collection of Rice University. It is difficult to read in this format, so I retyped it. It provides a detailed, readable and insightful summary of the action:

Phoenix, Tellicherry 21st Novr 1791

To The Hon’’ble William Cornwallis, Commander in Chief of His Majesty’s Ships

Sir,

In consequence of the Signal which you made for me to examine Strange Sails fluffing near the fleet, I proceeded in pursuit of Two Merchant Ships - about noon a French Frigate that was also standing to the Northward, made a Signal & shorten’d Sails, and the Two Merchant Ships closed to her -a little after One we fired a Gun unshotted to Leeward to denote that our intentions were friendly, and to induce them to bring too - at this time the French Frigate had set all her Sails, except Royals, and the Merchant sailed well - His Majesty’s Ships the Perseverance & this Ship not being able to gain upon each other, and very little on those we pursued - I soon after order’d another Gun unshotted, to be fired to Leeward and then the French Frigate made a Signal, and brought too, with the Two Merchant Ships ahead of her - upon coming up with him, he appprais’d to be clear for Action - their people were at their Guns, which they kept pointing at us -he hail’d, and ask’d what I wanted - I inform’d him that I had Orders to search the two Vessels ahead of him, but as our Nations were in peaceful Friendship, we did not mean to use any violence, and that I would send my boats on Board him to explain - in case the Vessels should be under his Charge - he answer’d that he did not understand me, and began to make Sail - this Ship being  between him & the Two Merchant Vessels - I however reflected upon the consequence of harsh measures, and sent a Boat with the First Lieutenant to explain, if possible, to his satisfaction, that no National insult was intended - Upon the Boat getting alongside him, and the Officer delivering the Message, he began to make Sail, and made a Signal which was instantly obey’d by the Two Merchant Ships, they making Sail - I was then ahead of him - I saw, that if they once had the Start, we should not easily get up with them - I therefore made Sail, the French Man of War pointing her Guns at us - Our Boat was now a great way astern - I hailed the Frigate and told him, that if he did not stop the Ships from making Sail I should be obliged to fire at them - he told me in English, “I do not understand you Sir” - One of our people hail’d him in French, and endeavour’d to persuade him to stop the Ships by Signal, that no accident might happen from our firing at them, which we should be obliged to do if they did not stop - I therefore began to fire at One, with our Bow Chaser, and the Other, with our Larboard Guns - they soon shorten’d Sail, but did not bring too - the Frigate fired some Shots, but not at us - the Perseverance at some distance from us boarded One, and we dropped our Boat on board the other - We back’d close to her, to prevent the Frigate from injuring our Boat - she fired two Shots across us, and soon after having closed with us, began to engage with much vivacity on our Starboard Side - upon receiving the Second Discharge from his Broadside, I began to return it - our people having, with great presence of mind obey’d their instructions in not firing ’til order’d them - I luffed close to her, she having more way, attempted to make us across the Bow, which I prevented by keeping close to her, and when her Guns were all discharged, luff’d across her Stern, swept her Ensign from her Mizinmast with our Jib Boom and raked her - her pendant came down, but she still continued to attempt to cross us on the other Bow - we closed with him on the Starboard side, and after a Broadside which brought his Sails down, they call’d out, & made Signs that they had surrender’d.

The Rigging, Yard Tackles, and Boats being much damaged, I could not board her, and therefore made the Signal that we had not, as the Perseverance was at some distance, & did not seem to understand the Signal - and being anxious, I stood towards her, and gave the French Ship in charge to Captain Smith, with the accompanying Instructions, which I hope you will approve of - She proved to be la Raisolue of 36 Guns, & 250 Men, Commanded by Monsr De Callamande, Lieutt De Vaisseau, who was wounded in the Action - I left her at Anchor between Mangalor & Dula [Ullal?] repairing her Damages, & hope by Captain Smith’s Assistance, she will be able to sail the 20th in the Morning - but I am inform’d she has suffer’d much - having given Captain Smith his Instructions, our First Lieutenant came on board, having as I said before, been left astern - he inform’d me that the French Captain told him that he “would not allow the Two Ships which were under his Convoy to be search’d - that he thought its a presumption on the part of the English to attempt to do it on the open Seas - but that if we had blockaded any Port & they were going there, he would have allow’d me to search them, but that he would “not then” and order’d his Men to their Quarters - upon which our First Lieutenant (Parker) left the Ship - At this time he made the Signal to his Convoy, which I last alluded to.

You will excuse Sir, my being so particular in the detail of this Affair, but as it may be the subject of much National importance, I think its my duty to give you the fullest information, and have brought for that purpose, the Second Captain of the French Frigate, with his own Consent, the Captain being Wounded, to corroborate what I have asserted with respect to their motives for engaging us.

Enclosed is my Journal, a State of HIs Majesty’s Ship, with a Return of Kill’d and Wounded, and a Report of the Officer of this Ship, who boarded the Two Merchant Vessels.

I have much pleasure Sir, to add, that His Majesty’s Ship is in perfect readiness to perform any Service you may please to order her upon - the little Accidents of the Service being repair’d - as well as we could do it.

I have the Honor to be

Sir,

With the greatest Respects

Your most Obedient

Humble Servant

[signature]

P.S. - I beg to add Sir, that a Note accompanies this letter from the Captain of the French Frigate. Upon my sending my First Lieutenant on Board to him after he had surrender’d - he desired him to tell me, that he was ready to do any thing I wish’d with respect to the movements of the French Frigate - I then desired him thro’ his Second Officer who was on Board with me, to assure me that he would follow us to Tellicherry, that this affair might be explain’d - the Note does not appear to me to be perfectly satisfactory and as his Ship was represented to be much shatter’d, I was induced to desire Captain Smith to assist him, and escort him to Tellicherry, but told Captain Smith he was not to be consider’d in the light of a Captured Vessel, and to be permitted to wear his Colours - of this I also acquainted the French Captain with, and that the Perseverance would give him any assistance.

As I have not mention’d the Perseverance in the course of the Action, I think it is my duty in justice to Captain Smith, to inform you, that when it began, the Perseverance was at some distance, near the Ship Our Boat was on Board, and we were situated that the Perseverance could not fire conveniently, when she came towards us, without running the risk of doing us injury.

[signature]**

**On reading this letter, Julian said, "He (Strachan) did not like his fellow captain did he?" I looked puzzled and said that I had not noticed. "Didn't he make special mention to Cornwallis that Smith was unable to take part in the action as he was behind with the merchant ships?" "Exactly," said Julian, "lagging behind the site of the action. A very English put-down." I defer to Julian in such matters, since he is the one of that culture, but we'd both be interested in the reaction of other readers, especially those from England.

Our version of the action followed this fairly closely; naturally since it was used to set-up the game and we were both influenced by the text, but, in typical wargaming fashion, our version was a little more heated. La Résolue struck after being boarded rather than from cannon fire alone, but the brevity of the action and outcome were in line with what happened. The crew casualties in our action were 38 French and 36 English. James states that the French lost 25 killed and 40 wounded, while the English suffered six men killed and 11 wounded. Troude cites 12 killed and 56 wounded on the French side.

Strachan was well aware of the 'national incident' that the action represented and addressed it directly in his letter to Cornwallis. Captain Callamand refused to take charge of his ship, since it was a prize, so the English towed it into Mahé, where it was repaired.

Chef de division Saint-Félix took up his protest directly with Cornwallis. James states that "...a correspondence, conducted with much anger on one side, and with temper and firmness on the other, ensued between the French and British commodores. M. Saint-Felix threatened further resistance, if any vessels under his orders were attempted to be detained." Troude wrote that, arriving at Mahé^, Saint-Félix "...made very lively representations to the English Commander, and ended by warning him that, if he persisted in stopping French ships, he would consider this violation as a declaration of war, and that he would therefore repel force by force. The commodore [Cornwallis] pretended that, in this circumstance, Captain Callamand had been the aggressor."

^Interestingly, Troude states that this exchange between Saint-Félix and Cornwallis occurred the day after a later, minor altercation (4th January 1792) between the flagships of the opposing commanders.

This could have become a serious incident, but as James points out, in France "...matters were then in too disturbed a state for the nation to take that notice of the transaction which, in more settled times, would certainly have been the case."

A day of delights

Everyday above ground is a joy, but yesterday was a particular day of delights. With so much to catch up on Julian and I had a few hours of discussion prior to the game, aided by various 'goodies'.

Firstly were his newly-acquired 1/4800th ships of the Anglo-Dutch wars from Tumbling Dice. Very similar to the Forged in Battle Napoleonic ships that I have but, being a smaller scale and smaller ships, they are less detailed. They are gonna look beaut once painted. We cleaned them up a bit and talked about painting, which he will do over coming weeks.

Julian's new 1/4800 ships of the Anglo-Dutch wars (and early 18thC more broadly).

Secondly, ten issues of the magnificent 'Gloire et Empire' magazine that were part of a fantastic clearance sale held recently by Ebra Editions. An absolute steal at 80% off, Julian kindly let me send them to him in Scotland (as he was in December-January) so as to reduce the cost of postage dramatically. Interesting, colourful and extremely useful for my 'battles of...'

Thirdly, a 'box of joy', courtesy of Mark H. I knew that this was coming as Julian had told me before he left late last year and Mark subsequently contacted me to know whether I had received it. Mark sent me a link to a post about it, so I knew about the contents but, as I said to him, I'll be able to enjoy them more once they arrive. Doubly so, since the contents even more extensive than I expected and so wonderful 'in the flesh'! I will post about this lovely gift separately, but suffice to say:

"thank you Mark!" 

Next in the chronology

The next action for ' Battles of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Eras' is a small follow-up to the Battle of Tellicherry. It was a minor exchange between the frigates , Minerva and Cybele, under command of Cornwallis and Saint-Félix respectively. Nothing of note happened in the historic action, but we'll turn this into a full-on ship to ship duel.

References

Hiscocks, R (2018) Phoenix v Resolue – A Peacetime Frigate Engagement – 19 November 1791. https://morethannelson.com/phoenix-v-resolue-a-peacetime-frigate-engagement-19-november-1791/—a modern summary made using the same sources that I did.

James, W (1902) The naval history of Great Britain : from the declaration of war by France in 1793, to the accession of George IV. Vol. I. First Published 1822. Macmillan and Co. Limited, London. pp. 131–132. Available from archive.org

Strachan RJ (1791) Letter written by Sir Richard John Strachan to Sir William Cornwallis about the capture of the French frigate Resolue on November 21 1791. https://digitalcollections.rice.edu/Documents/Detail/sir-richard-john-strachan-letter-to-sir-william-cornwallis/54921

Troude, O (1867) Batailles navales de la France. Tome Second. Challamel Ainé, Paris. pp. 265–268. Available from archive.org