Three Frenchmen in Bengal - The Commercial Ruin of the French Settlements in 1757 by S. C. (Samuel Charles) Hill
page 53 of 198 (26%)
page 53 of 198 (26%)
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brave men--the knowledge that, in the eyes of friend and foe, they
had done their duty. The officers of the British army and navy all spoke warmly of the gallant behaviour of the French, and the historian Broome, himself a soldier and the chronicler of many a brave deed, expresses himself as follows:-- "The conduct of the French on this occasion was most creditable and well worthy the acknowledged gallantry of that nation. Monsieur Renault, the Governor, displayed great courage and determination: but the chief merit of the defence was due to Monsieur Devignes" (Captain de la Vigne Buisson), "commander of the French Company's ship, _Saint Contest_. He took charge of the bastions, and directed their fire with great skill and judgment, and by his own example inspired energy and courage into all those around him." Renault himself found some consolation in the gallant behaviour of his sons. "In my misfortune I have had the satisfaction to see my two sons distinguish themselves in the siege with all the courage and intrepidity which I could desire. The elder brother was in the Company's service, and served as a volunteer; the younger, an officer in the army, was, as has been said above, commandant of the volunteers." Others who are mentioned by Renault and his companions as having distinguished themselves on the French side, were the Councillors MM. Caillot, Nicolas, and Picques, Captain de la Vigne Buisson and |
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