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French ship Magnifique (1749)

Coordinates: 42°19′54″N 70°55′49″W / 42.33167°N 70.93028°W / 42.33167; -70.93028
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History
French Navy EnsignFrance
NameMagnifique
BuilderToulon
Laid down1747
Launched7 March 1749
FateGrounded on sandbar off Lovells Island, Boston 1782
General characteristics
Class and typeMagnifique class ship of the line
Displacement1500 tonnes
Length53.6 m (176 ft)
Beam14 m (46 ft)
Draught6.6 m (22 ft)
PropulsionSail
Complement678 men
Armament74 guns
ArmourTimber

Magnifique was the lead ship of the 3-ship Magnifique class 74-gun ship of the line of the French Navy.

Career

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In 1760, Magnifique was under Duchaffault, and patrolled off Martinique, along with Hébé, under La Touche Beauregard.[1]

Captain Brach captained Magnifique at the Battle of Ushant on 27 July 1778,[2] at the Battle of Grenada on 6 July 1779,[3] and at the Battle of Martinique on 17 April 1780.[4]

Fate

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On 15 August 1782, Magnifique was wrecked along the rocky shore of Lovells Island, in Boston Harbor, MA, USA. She was rumoured to have been carrying "long-lost treasure."[5] According to a US National Park Service Guide, the submerged vessel is still visible from N 42° 19.902’ W 070° 55.818’ during periods of calm.[6]

On 3 September 1782 the Continental Congress decided to present the ship of the line America to King Louis XVI of France to replace Magnifique. The gift was to symbolize the new nation's "appreciation for France's service to and sacrifices in behalf of the cause of the American patriots".[7]

Citations

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  1. ^ Archives nationales (2011), p. 157.
  2. ^ Troude (1867), p. 7.
  3. ^ Troude (1867), p. 39.
  4. ^ Troude (1867), p. 71.
  5. ^ Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area Island Facts: Lovells Island, nps.gov
  6. ^ Boston Harbor Islands Island Cache Program, Site 6: The Outer Islands, nps.gov
  7. ^ "America". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved 9 March 2011.

References

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42°19′54″N 70°55′49″W / 42.33167°N 70.93028°W / 42.33167; -70.93028