ABSTRACT
Le Comte de Blenac, who married the sister of the Duke de la Rochefoucaut, was the commander-in-chief of the French in the West Indies at this time. He also took the island of St. Eustatia from the Dutch, and built Fort Royal in Martinico. The English, during his government, attacked Fort St. Pierre, in Martinico; but after remaining five days on shore, were obliged to reimbark. Blenac, in answer to M. Gabaret, who requested permission to attack the rear-guard of the English, replied, " Sir, I am persuaded you would destroy a great number of the enemy, but the death of a thousand of these gentlemen would not recompence the King for the loss of even one of these brave inhabitants." Whatever may have been the motive, it seems the French did not choose to go near them.
