Capture of Cayenne (1667) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Capture of Cayenne (1667) |
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| Part of the Second Anglo-Dutch War | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 France |
 England |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Governor Lefebvre de Lézy |
Rear Admiral John Harman |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 300 soldiers & militia | 9 ships 800 sailors and troops |
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| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 200 killed, wounded or captured All stores captured or burnt |
Light | ||||||
The Capture of Cayenne was a small but important event. It happened on September 22, 1667. This was near the end of the Second Anglo-Dutch War. English forces captured the French settlement of Cayenne. It was located in what is now French Guiana.
The French governor, Lefebvre de Lézy, was in charge of Cayenne. But English sailors and soldiers attacked. They were led by Rear Admiral Sir John Harman. After taking control, the English stayed for two weeks. They took valuable items before leaving.
Why Cayenne Was Attacked
After a win at Martinique, Admiral Harman's fleet was strong. They controlled much of the Caribbean Sea. Harman wanted to attack French and Dutch settlements. These were located on the north coast of South America.
The Dutch had recently taken back Fort Zeelandia. This fort was from the English. Harman planned to attack there next. But first, he aimed for the French settlement of Cayenne. He did not know that a peace treaty had been signed. This treaty was called the Peace of Breda. It ended the war between England and Holland.
The Attack on Cayenne
On September 22, 1667, Governor de Lézy saw ships coming. He first thought they were French help from Martinique. But the ships circled and headed for Fort Saint Louis. De Lézy then realized they were English warships. They were from Barbados and led by Admiral Harman.
Harman's ships were chasing a French supply ship. They planned to land about 850 soldiers. De Lézy was worried. He gathered 300 men at Remire. He then watched as fourteen English boats approached the shore.
Even though they were spotted, Harman decided to attack. De Lézy was not ready for such a large force. But he chose to fight, hoping for help. The English surrounded the settlement. They fought for three days. The fort was captured. Most of the French soldiers, including Governor de Lézy, were taken. About forty Frenchmen managed to hide.
After the Capture
Harman's men took everything valuable from Fort Saint Louis. They also took items from the surrounding area. After loading their ships with goods, they burned buildings. They also set fire to plantations. The English took captured guns and ammunition. They also took an unknown number of slaves.
The English left Cayenne on October 9, after two weeks. Harman then sailed east. He attacked the Dutch settlement at Fort Zeelandia. Soon after, news of the Peace of Breda arrived. This treaty officially ended the war.
Governor de Lézy and the French prisoners were set free. French reinforcements arrived later. They made the defenses stronger. However, Cayenne was attacked again nine years later. This time, the Dutch captured it.
See also
