Toussaint-Guillaume Picquet de la Motte
From Biocrawler, the free encyclopedia.
Toussaint-Guillaume Picquet de la Motte (Rennes, 1 November 1720 -- Brest, 10 June 1791) was a French admiral.
He joined the Naval Guards at 15, and served in the Navy on the coasts of Moroco, in the Baltic Sea, in the Caraibs and in India. A fine manoeuverer, he was called to Paris in 1775 to help the secretary of State prepare the order of 1776 to re-organise the Navy.
Commander of Squadron in 1778, he took part in the Battle of Ouessant (27 July 1778), and then cruised in English seas, capturing 13 ships within one month.
He distinguished himself during the American War of Independence, joining the squadron of Admiral d'Estaing in the Martinique in June 1779 and taking part in the fight in Grenade and Savannah.
On the 18 December 1779, before Fort Royal de la Martinique, he attacked the British squadron under Admiral Hyde-Parker which was attempting to blockade a French convoy. The ability of the action was such that the British admiral wrote a letter of congratulation to Picquet de la Motte.
In 1781, commander of a 6-vessel and 3-frigate squadron, he intercepted the fleet of Admiral Rodney, en route to plunder Saint-Eustache, and captured 26 ships.
He was promoted to Lieutenant General of the Naval Armies in January 1782, and died nine year later, after 52 years of service, 34 campaigns, 10 fights and 6 wounds.
Trivia
- Four vessels of the French Navy have been named in his honour. Curently in service is he first-rank frigate La Motte Picquet.
Categories: 1720 births | 1791 deaths | American Revolution people | French Navy admirals | French nobility
