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Preferred Citation:

J. Michel to Mr. de Mesandre Letter, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.

Biographical Information:

J. Michel, captain of the French vessel Le Lion during the 1770s. Further information about this individual or organization may be available in the Special Collections Research Center Wiki: .

Scope and Contents

Letter written in French from Williamsburg, Virginia, by J. Michel, Captain of the French vessel, Le Lion, which was loading tobacco in the James River to transport to Europe, dated June 26, 1778.  Michel returned from a voyage from L'Orient in the company of Le Vicomte de Vaux commanded by Pierre Donat. Le Lion was threatened by English vessels in the Chesapeake Bay, including the St. Alban and the Solbay. Michel had sailed to New London, Connecticut and back to Williamsburg where he stayed at the tavern owned by Mrs. Jane Vobe (Kings Arms Tavern). Mentions M[onsieur] DuBuat and Mr. Bell. 3 pages; 10 cm. x 10 cm.

Contemporary copy included, plus a translation by a SCRC staff member.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Correspondence
• Great Britain. Royal Navy--History--Revolution, 1775-1783
• Kings Arms Tavern (Williamsburg, Va.)
• Lion (ship)
• Solbay (Frigate)
• St. Alban (Frigate)
• United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Participation, French
• Vicomte de Vaux (Ship)
• Williamsburg (Va.)--History--18th century
• Williamsburg (Va.)--History--Revolution, 1775-1783