The Influence of Sea Power upon History. Alfred Thayer Mahan
of Sea Power
Proper use of the naval force
Neglect of India by the French government
England at war with Mysore and with the Mahrattas
Arrival of the French squadron under Comte d'Orves
It effects nothing and returns to the Isle of France
Suffren sails from Brest with five ships-of-the-line, 1781
Attacks an English squadron in the Cape Verde Islands, 1781
Conduct and results of this attack
Distinguishing merits of Suffren as a naval leader
Suffren saves the Cape Colony from the English
He reaches the Isle of France
Succeeds to the chief command of the French fleet
Meets the British squadron under Hughes at Madras
Analysis of the naval strategic situation in India
The first battle between Suffren and Hughes, Feb. 17, 1782
Suffren's views of the naval situation in India
Tactical oversights made by Suffren
Inadequate support received by him from his captains
Suffren goes to Pondicherry, Hughes to Trincomalee
The second battle between Suffren and Hughes, April 12, 1782
Suffren's tactics in the action
Relative injuries received by the opposing fleets
Contemporaneous English criticisms upon Hughes's conduct
Destitute condition of Suffren's fleet
His activity and success in supplying wants
He communicates with Hyder Ali, Sultan of Mysore
Firmness and insight shown by Suffren
His refusal to obey orders from home to leave the Indian Coast
The third battle between Suffren and Hughes, July 6, 1782
Qualities shown by Hughes
Stubborn fighting by the British admiral and captains
Suffren deprives three captains of their commands
Dilatory conduct of Admiral Hughes
Suffren attacks and takes Trincomalee
Strategic importance of this success
Comparative condition of the two fleets in material for repairs
The English government despatches powerful reinforcements
The French court fails to support Suffren
The fourth battle between Suffren and Hughes, Sept. 3, 1782
Mismanagement and injuries of the French
Contrast between the captains in the opposing fleets
Two ships of Suffren's fleet grounded and lost
Arrival of British reinforcements under Admiral Bickerton
Approach of bad-weather season; Hughes goes to Bombay
Military situation of French and English in India
Delays of the French reinforcements under Bussy
Suffren takes his fleet to Achem, in Sumatra
He returns to the Indian coast
Arrival of Bussy
Decline of the French power on shore
The English besiege Bussy in Cuddalore by land and sea
Suffren relieves the place
The fifth battle between Suffren and Hughes, June 20, 1783
Decisive character of Suffren's action
News of the peace received at Madras
Suffren sails for France
His flattering reception everywhere
His distinguishing military qualities
His later career and death
Maritime struggle transferred from the continent to West Indies
De Grasse sails for the islands
French expedition against the island of St. Christopher, January, 1782
Hood attempts to relieve the garrison
Manoeuvres of the two fleets
Action between De Grasse and Hood
Hood seizes the anchorage left by De Grasse
De Grasse attacks Hood at his anchorage
Hood maintains his position
Surrender of the garrison and island
Merits of Hood's action
Criticism upon De Grasse's conduct
Rodney arrives in West Indies from England
Junction of Rodney and Hood at Antigua
De Grasse returns to Martinique
Allied plans to capture Jamaica
Rodney takes his station at Sta. Lucia
The French fleet sails and is pursued by Rodney
Action of April 9, 1782
Criticism upon the action
The chase continued; accidents to French ships
The naval battle of the Saints, April 12, 1782
Rodney breaks the French line
Capture of the French commander-in-chief and five ships-of-the-line
Details of the action
Analysis of the effects of Rodney's manoeuvre
Tactical bearing of improvements in naval equipment
Lessons of this short naval campaign
Rodney's failure to pursue the French fleet
Examination of his reasons and of the actual conditions
Probable effect of this failure upon the conditions of peace
Rodney's opinions upon the battle of April 12
Successes achieved by Rodney during his command
He is recalled by a new ministry
Exaggerated view