French privateer Mars (1746)

Mars, was a French privateer. Mars was involved in a naval battle in Loch nan Uamh during the Jacobite rising. She was captured by HMS Dreadnought off Cape Clear in 1747.[1]

History
France
Name: Mars
Namesake: Mars (mythology)
Fate: Captured by HMS Dreadnought in 1747
General characteristics
Propulsion: Sail
Sail plan: ship-rigged

History

Following the Jacobite defeat at the Battle of Culloden on 16 April 1746, Mars and Bellone anchored at Loch nan Uamh on 30 April 1746.[2] Mars carried the Loch Arkaig treasure and as the Royal Navy was approaching she took on board some escaping Jacobites including James Drummond, 3rd Duke of Perth and Sir Thomas Sheridan.[2]

Captain Rouillee of the Mars decided to stay at anchor, upon the approach of the Royal Navy vessels HMS Greyhound, HMS Baltimore and HMS Terror, but Captain Lorry of the Bellone set sail.[2] Greyhound came alongside Mars and fired a broadside at close quarters which caused great loss of life:[2] Mars was able to set sail during the engagement between Greyhound and Bellone. Terror tried to stop Le Mars but a volley from Bellone disabled her. Mars was then led by Bellone out to a bay at the head of Loch nan Uamh, where Mars started her repairs, and Bellone engaged the British ships.[2] Spectators lined the shores watching the battle and where fired upon by Greyhound to prevent the carrying away of the gold and cargo that had been unloaded by the French ships.[2] Baltimore along with Greyhound and Terror tried to board the French ships, however repelled the attack. Baltimore's captain sustained a head wound, her rigging was shattered, lost her anchor and two of her masts.[2] The Baltimore headed for The Minch for help. The Mars had suffered damage having been hit six times above the water line, seven times below the water line and had three feet of water in her hold. Mars suffered 29 men killed and 85 men wounded.[2]

Mars was later captured by HMS Dreadnought off Cape Clear, Ireland on 4 April 1747.[1]

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References
  1. Winfield, Rif (2007). British Warships in the Age of Sail 1714-1792: Design, Construction, Careers and Fates. Seaforth Publishing. p. 126. ISBN 9781783469253.
  2. McKerracher, Mairead. (2012). Jacobite Dictionary. (no page numbers). Neil Wilson Publishing.

Further reading
    • Duffy, Christopher (2017). The '45: Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Untold Story of the Jacobite Rising. Phoenix. ISBN 9780753822623.
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