See also: Suffren

Pierre Andre de Suffren , known as the Baillif de Suffren, also known under the name of Suffren de Saint-Tropez, born the July 17th 1729 with the castle of Saint-Cannat, close to Aix-en-Provence and dead the December 8th 1788 with Paris, is a vice-admiral French, baillif of the Ordre of Malta.

a soldier must be characterized by facts, not by writings

The house of Suffren

the house of Suffren has as an author, according to Artefeuil and François-Alexandre of Chenaye-Aubert, Hugon de Suffren, which is established in Provence at the 14th century, and which was originating in the republic of Lucques, from where it was forced to flee at the time of the wars of the Guelfes and the Gibelins. Jean-Baptiste de Suffren was anobli by letters patent of king François Ist.

His/her father, Paul de Suffren of Saint-Tropez, marquis of Saint-Cannat (1679 - 1756) is the First prosecutor of the Countries of Provence in 1723, and prosecutor joint of the nobility in 1749.

Pierre André has fourteen brothers and sisters. One of his/her brothers, Pierre-Julien, is captain of the vessels of the Religion. Another the elder one is marquis and baillif of Saint-Tropez, brigadier and Pair of France in 1817. The third, Louis-Jerome de Suffren, are bishop of Sisteron of 1764 with 1789 then bishop of Nevers. It makes dig a large channel to irrigate the area of Sisteron. It has also two sisters married to local lords, of which Alphonse Louis d' Arnaud, baron de Vitrolles.

As much of juniors by noble families of Provence, in 1737, Pierre André de Suffren is admitted, as of the 8 years age, like knight of minority of the Ordre of Malta, from which it will become adult Baillif.

After childhood turbulent, but such a studious, last with the family castle of Saint-Cannat, or in another family stronghold with Richebois, located beside Living room of Provence and with Saint-Tropez, it makes studies at the Jésuites of Toulon.

The war of succession of Austria (1740-1748)

Since the death of Jean-Baptiste Colbert in 1683 the Navy périclite.

The Cape Sicié (February 22nd, 1744)

In 1743, at the 14 years age, Pierre André, like much of noble provençaux young people, returns in the very aristocratic body of the Guards of the navy. One year afterwards, he knows his first fights the February 22nd 1744 with the battle of the Cape Sicié, where 29 English vessels face a force of 15 French vessels and 12 Spanish, battles who ends in a Franco-Spanish victory. The port of Toulon is not blocked any more by the English fleet. Louis XV can declare the war in England, the March 15th 1744.

The Antilles and fights of Saint-Vincent (October 25th, 1746)

Pierre André de Suffren goes up then on the Pauline which belongs to the squadron of Mr. Macnémara who crosses opposite the coasts of the the Western Indies.

In 1746 it belongs to the disastrous forwarding of the admiral Jean-Baptiste de Roye of Rochefoucauld, duke of Anville, to take again the Île of Cape-Breton the. The shipwrecks and the plague decimate the French fleet.

On its return, Suffren, on the Monarch , is made prisoner by escorting a convoy of troops of two hundred and fifty vessels in water of the Cape Finisterre, the October 25th 1747. As there are no more ammunition, it must bring the house but he does it only with the third summation. Pierre André is slackened three months after with peace.

He finds on his return in France his patent of sign of vessel, but requests a leave and leaves to Malta, where he makes his caravans and becomes thus knight of majority, 1748 to 1751.

The Seven Year old war (1756-1763)

Pierre André de Suffren embarks on the vessel the Royal Dauphin which is attacked by the admiral Boscawen, before any declaration of war, in July 1755, with broad of Newfoundland. Its beautiful control is worth in Suffren a promotion with the rank of lieutenant.

Port-Mahón

Pierre André de Suffren fights with ardor in the building-guide of the fleet which protects the French troops which attack Minorque. He is with the naval battle of Port-Mahon (1756), which is a victory and with the Bataille of Minorque. The English government makes shoot the admiral Byng. It is one of its first continental defeats. On Orphée Suffren takes part in the victory of the Count of Galissonnière .

Battle of Lagos

See also: Battle of Lagos

Suffren is maltreated, but prisoner on parole officer, it is released thereafter from a trust of exchange. Pierre André de Suffren writes a report on the means of attacking Gibraltar .

Malta (1761), Morocco (1767)

In 1761, Pierre André de Suffren goes back to Malta. It makes the choice be Knight-Profès . It especially came to Malta to sail and drive out the barbaresque ones. Since hundreds of years the provençaux sailors are made prisoners and sold like slaves with Algiers, Tunis, Tripoli… It results from it an often hereditary hatred for the barbaresque pirates in Provence.

See also: Slavery in Tunisia

Pierre André de Suffren orders for the first time, but simple a chébec, during the forwarding led by the count Louis Charles of Chaffault de Besné (1708 - 1794 prisons of Nantes) which bombards Salé and cannot unload with Larache. This ground of the Morocco which it comes by there, to discover, the fascine and it wants to go back there… Pierre André de Suffren obtains to accompany in 1767 Pierre Hodenau, lord of Breugnon, Chef of Squadron of the Naval armies of the King, Ambassadeur of France near the Sultan of Morocco , during the negotiations for the signature of the Friendship free-Morrocan and peace treaty, which it signs in (1767).

Suffren traces plans of the coasts of Morocco and especially of Algeria to prepare their invasions. It writes also a report on the Morocco.

To the return of this countryside, it goes back to Malta to fight against the Barbaresques, like already in 1754 and 1761, on the galère of the Religion, the Saint-Anthony . It is at that time that it is high with the rank of commander of the Ordre of Malta. It also will cannonade the coasts of Tunisia with the squadron of Malta and a French division ordered by the count de Broves (ramming of the ports and military installations of Tunis and Bizerte).

Cruisings in the Mediterranean (1772-1776)

1772, he is finally captain, but orders only the Mignonne , a frigate. It goes on a cruise with Saïda, with the Échelles of the Raising, with Smyrna, in the Greek archipelago. Then it orders a new frigate the Almacène and sails of the coasts of the Morocco to Ushant.

The war of independence of the United States of America

Contrary to his predecessors the young king Louis XVI, as of his youth, is interested in the maritime problems.

Suffren in the Atlantic Ocean (the American Antilles and coasts)

Engagements

1777, it orders the Fantasque , vessel of 64 guns, and it is with this building that it fights for 20 months within the squadron of the admiral Charles Henri d' Estaing, with the the Antilles.

August 8th, 1778, it forces a stopping, penetrates in bay of Newport and destroyed five frigates, two corvettes, and a brig English. Cheer, Suffren shouts the admiral Charles Henri to him d' Estaing on his return.

Suffren fights English more than them his and higher vessels on several occasions. It defends the French colonies and starve those of the English. After having disarmed Cavalion, one of the Grenadian , Suffren joined the squadron with the Guadeloupe to take landing troops there, while from Estaing having vainly sought to cause Biron returns to Saint-Domingue. September 9th, 1779, it forces the enemy to destroy the fortifications of the Tilbée island. With Georgetown, Pierre André de Suffren is once again with the avant-garde.

The count d' Estaing, valiantly assisted by the commander of Suffren, covers glory on the coasts of America, and the marquis of Bouillé seizes the Dominique.

On his return in France, the commander, Pierre Andre de Suffren, are indicated by Estaing with the public recognition. D' Estaing alone, under which Suffren had just been useful, during the forwarding of America, penetrated the great man of sea in the commander . the count d' Estaing, by indicating Suffren with the choice of the minister Charles Eugene Gabriel of the Cross of Castries, made act of patriotism , will write, one century later, the maritime and colonial Revue of 1867, by employing terms of its time. D' Estaing certifies with Antoine de Sartine that: This captain will be perhaps the best chief of squadron than Its Majesty can have with its service . The king, on March 1st 1780, grants a pension of 1.500 books to him, but 40 captains older than await advance to him.

On the relation between Charles Henri d' Estaing and Suffren however divergent opinions. For several historians, in particular of the 18th century and 19th century, the two men are completely opposed of character and culture.

The admiral d' Estaing is a former ground officer, twice captive in England, then transformed into sailor by the grace of Choiseul in 1765, single case in the royal navy with that of Bougainville also ground officer.

Suffren is, we saw it, a sailor since more the young age and deplores the surprising hesitations of its admiral during several decisive engagements, even the awkwardness of its operations. It is not only the Georges Pléville Pelley the critic him-also in its Memories.

The recommendations of the admiral at Castries are not easily avoidable by the admiral taking into account the exploits of his assistant and his own failures.

It is precisely Charles Henri d' Estaing, substitute of Sartines (expelled by Necker) which, after a memorable dinner, could be made a religion of the Baillif by recommending it to the king to temporarily order the convoy towards India. It is then the chance of the death of the admiral d' Orves who allows Suffren to take the command of the squadron of India.

In 1780, Suffren orders the Zélé with Cadiz to besiege Gibraltar.

Suffren

Charles Henri d' Estaing appreciates it much, even if it finds that it likes a little too the table. He notices that before each departure Pierre André de Suffren makes embark force poultries and other provisions of table, rather than of the powder and balls, as he advises it to him

But Suffren does not think solely of food. As of this time, he recommends to equip the vessels with fire pumps, to equip the masts with the electric driver of Mr. Franklin , to have on board 5 or 6 boats and especially he wants hulls doubled out of copper. Antoine de Sartine will listen to its councils and the king too.

Suffren in the Indian Ocean (1781-1784)

After having taken part in the War of independence of the United States of America, Pierre André de Suffren is designated in 1781 to order in the capacity as chief of the squadron joining the the Eastern Indies, five vessels sent in reinforcement to the Indies. Actually the historians of the 18/19ème still diverge on this opinion: The war of independence lasted of 1776 with 1783.En 1781 we are still in full war, the operations in India belonging to a total whole since they obliged English has to dismantle their Western face (America) to protect their face Is (India).

Battle of Oporto Praya

Suffren must before being able in the Indian Ocean to beat an English squadron with the battle of Oporto Praya, with the Cap Verde, on April 16th, 1781 and to supply with the Cape. The squadron of Suffren arrives only on October 25th, 1781, according to the Log book of Suffren. It must repair its fleet, and punish insubordinations of some subordinates. The chief of squadron of Orves in 1780 did not gain victory. He even refused to hibernate in the Indies, in spite of his orders.

Porto-Novo

The fleet made up of the squadron which fought with battle of Oporto Praya and that presents in the Indian Ocean, lead to the Indies, the troops. The squadron of Suffren installs Port-Louis (Maurice), on December 7th, 1781.

But the operation of exit of the port starts with two accidents. Tromelin inaugurates its command while ruining Annibal . The transport of Maurepas has the same problem. Equipment is given to the following day. the East is at the head of file, the house of chief of squadron of the count d' deployed Orves and on the Héros , the cheesecloth of Suffren. Thus joined together, two Suffren divisions and of Orves, concert - twenty-eight veils, whose eleven vessels and the Toscan a ship-hospital, constitute the most considerable fleet that France never sent in the Indian Ocean.

Forwarding however is rather badly prepared: manpower are insufficient to defend our possessions and our allies vis-a-vis the English army of the Indies.

The minister wanted to send 6.000 men, to recruit 6.000 Indian auxiliaries or cipayes on the spot. We lay out of very little money 900.000 books in bill of exchanges. The number of administrators, whose Benoit Mottet of the Fountain, is even weaker than that of the combatants. In addition, the objectives of the Minister and Mr. de Souillac, diverge: first is in favor of an alliance with Haidar Alî, the second thinks of being combined with Mahrattes, its enemies. The troops unload the March 9th 1782 in Porto-Novo, then under house of the Nabob Haidar Alî (1722-1782), in a region devastated by five years of civil wars and foreign.

Battle for Gondelour (April 3rd, 1782)

Oporto Novo, the troops leave to Gondelour, an English fortress, which they take.

See also: Battles for Gondelour

Suffren falls ill and its relations with Haidar Ali, very disappointed, in spite of the victories of Suffren by the insufficiency of number of the French terrestrial troops, are very bad. The French officers learn that the English refuse the exchange of the prisoners who encumber the squadron and the forts. The presence of many patients and wounded, as well in the army as in the squadron, the search of supply and equipment to repair the squadron, the not paid balances… all that contributes to weaken moral troops.

In spite of the English numerical superiority and the storms, Pierre André de Suffren succeeds in overcoming the English. But, it must make build a hospital of 1.500 beds for its sailors. It misses powder and balls seriously.

With Versailles, in spite of the opposition of part of its ministers, Louis XVI ordered that one sends reinforcements to the Indies. But, with Port-Louis (Maurice), Souillac tries to force Suffren to give up the Indies. Suffren refuses and during months it tries to capture commercial vessels to supply the task force and its sailors. Not being able more to nourish, look after and lodge the English prisoners, it delivers them to Haidar Alî. This decision causes indignation even his/her friends, like the captain Trublet de Villejégu, which speaks about an inhuman process… .

Battle of Négapatam (1782)

See also: Battle of Négapatam (1782)

This victory is dearly paid. The baillif must repair his vessels which are in sorry state. He goes to Gondelour and unloads the casualties and the patients. He sees himself once more obliged to ask of the assistance to Haidar Alî, and to trade to give to eat with his sailors and his troops. He writes in his log book: the captains afflict me for their tables. the Delphine father answers them: Sirs, we are not here to eat, but to fight. And then after the hunger, it is an epidemic of variola which carries a good part of the survivors. The moral one of the troops and the crews is with lowest, even if Suffren captures a ship with 6.000 wine bottles.

Battle of Trinquemalay (August 25th 1782)

See also: Battle of Trinquemalay

The 2nd battle for Gondelour (naval and terrestrial)

See also: Battles for Gondelour

The June 29th 1783 the parliamentary frigate Médée brings the news of peace, between France and England, ratified with Versailles the February 9th 1783. The suspension of fighting is immediate.

In two years and half of countryside, Suffren fought only undecided battles, but he managed to maintain his squadron, in a quasi incredible way to more far from his bases, while saving the French presence in the Indies. The English because of American independence preserve their empire at the Indies. In Gondelour, on ground, the French lost 18 killed officers and 33 wounded, and 113 killed soldiers and 293 wounded. The English losses killed are of 62 officers, 900 Europeans and 1400 cipayes. Of the 300 riders, 225 infantrymen, and 75 artillerists of the 3rd legion of foreign volunteers of the navy, the 2/3 died. Cornwallis will write in Stuart which shouted victory: Encore a victory as that you claim to have gained and there will be no more English army in Carnatic… .

The Stuart general is relieved. Whereas Suffren reaches here with the fact of its service of genius of sailor, put at the service of its will to remain in India , written Jean-François de Lapérouse (1741 - 1788).

Suffren at the Court

The reception of the French of the maritime frontages

The reception of the populations of Maurice and the Réunion is triumphal. It is the same with the Cape. Written Suffren: I am overpowered of worms, compliments, songs . With Toulon and in all the Provence, it listens to tens of speech and is applauded by huge crowd.

The reception of the Court

The courtiers, who had almost walked on the feet of the Baillif at the time of his preceding arrival to the royal audience, acclaim it. The Traité of Versailles is signed, the king creates for him a third vice-admiral. Louis XVI grants also the prestigious to him Ordre of the Holy Spirit, and grants to him the Large Entries , in 1784. All his/her parents obtain honors of the Court. Its two nephews are made colonels. One of his/her brothers who has small évêché obtains that of Nevers. One especially evaluates his fortune with 100.000 books of revenue, which is considerable, for a junior by Provence .

The bodyguards make the hedge to make him the honors. The queen Marie-Antoinette says to him: You made good work, now I to show you mine and it makes seek the future Louis XVII.

The Order of Malta the Large fact Cross of the Order of Jean Saint of Jerusalem and appoints it ambassador near the king of France. On the request of the king it had obtained the généralat galères of Malta it obtains Large Master of Malta that his/her brother, the baillif of Saint-Tropez, takes this command in his place.

A generous man

But Suffren rather oddly written: I feel more considered than I deserve it . This modest and simple man, member of the maconnic cabin: the Olympic one of the Perfect Regard , will benefit from its new capacities and the consideration of which he enjoys from now on to help of young officers less quite born than him with becoming senior officers, because of their qualities. He which had on the other hand sent several aristocrats, captains of its vessels, in prison, for incapacity and disobedience to the orders. Here an example among so much of others of its generosity which animates it: the heroism of Andre de Rambaud who had been wounded twice had rained to him. Pierre André de Suffren is the first witness with the marriage of this simple lieutenant become thanks to him captain with Agathe de Rambaud, Berceuse of the Children of France, on March 7th, 1785, with the parish Saint Louis of Versailles. On this act Pierre André de Suffren is known as: High and powerful Lord Pierre Andre de Suffren Holy Tropez, Knight of the Orders of the King, Large cross of Jean Saint of Jerusalem, vice Admiral de France. Ambassador about Malta. Another witness of this union is a friend of married and another protected from Pierre André de Suffren, the young person Louis Thomas Villaret de Joyeuse, captain, promised with a great future.

The Company of Senegal

Mr. de Suffren manages with other administrators the Compagnie of Senegal . When, in 1783, the Traité of Versailles restores officially the Senegal in France. The monopoly of gum returns to the Compagnie of Senegal. The office of Paris east made up of the marshal Emmanuel-Happiness of Durfort, of a general lieutenant of the armies of the king, the count de Blangy, of Mestre of camp of dragons, the marquis de Saisseval, of an adviser of the large room of the Parliament, Saint-Romain, of a director making function of rapporteur, Mills and of Suffren. This last advises to them to send over there the captain André de Rambaud, engineer-geographer, as commander of the troop of Senegal and the strong Saint-Joseph de Galam. They ask the young knight of Saint Louis to establish a kind of French protectorate on the Royaume of Galam, 500 km of the coasts and with ridiculous means. It is a failure and the commander of the fort is killed in 1789. It will have to be waited 70 years so that this Royaume of Galam is colonized.

Its death

The king sees it chairing the General states of 1789 and feeling threatened by the English the command of the squadrons of the Atlantic entrusts to him. But the baillif de Suffren dies in Paris on December 8th, 1788, whereas Louis XVI. The day before one of its nephews and his niece had found confined to bed it for three days. It is buried in the church of the Temple.

After its death

In 1793, the remainders of Suffren, still very recognizable, is thrown on a heap of refuse, like the body of Honore Gabriel Riqueti de Mirabeau driven out the Pantheon of Paris . Marie-Joseph is Chénier at the origin of this decision? According to, Roger Glachant, that was made by the care of a special category ideologists, who intended to recover rings in the coffins . The admiral Charon speaks him about revolutionists reduced to profane in 1793 his remainders buried in the church of the Temple. In any case, the church of the Temple will be sold in 1796 with the cemetery to a private individual who will make it shave.

Napoleon i will regret not having Suffren at its sides to fight Nelson and it will be often compared with this last or Ruyter on the tactical and strategic levels.

Its statue with Saint-Tropez will be run with bronzes of the guns taken with the enemy that Napoleon III will offer to the city in 1866. With the inauguration of the statue of Suffren with Toulon, crowd sings the beautiful song of Mireille (opera) to honor the memory with this junior by Provence.

Eight buildings of the National marine will be named thus in the honor of the admiral Suffren:

1. a linership of 74 guns (1791 - 1794), renamed '' Frightening the '' in 1794, which took part in the Bataille of Trafalgar

2. a linership of 74 guns (1801 - 1815)
3. a linership of 90 guns (1824 - 1865)
4. an armed frigate (1866 - 1897)
5. a Cuirassé, Suffren (1899 - 1916)
6. a Croiseur, Suffren (1926 - 1963)
7. a frigate lance-missile, Suffren (1968 - 2008)
8. an Underwater nuclear of attack (SNA) of the type Barracuda, Suffren

Notes of the article

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