Jean-Baptiste de Macarty Macteigue facts for kids
Jean-Baptiste de Macarty Macteigue was a brave French Navy officer. He played an important part in the War of American Independence, a big conflict where America fought for its freedom from Britain.
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Jean-Baptiste de Macarty Macteigue began his navy career in August 1754. He joined as a 'Garde-Marine,' which was like a young officer in training. He worked hard and became a Lieutenant in November 1771.
Serving in the War
By 1779, Macarty Macteigue was an important officer on a ship called the Fendant. This ship was the main one in a group led by a commander named Vaudreuil. Their job was to help another French fleet during the war.
He was promoted to Captain on 4 April 1780. In December 1781, Captain Macarty Macteigue commanded a large 74-gun ship named the Actif. He led the Actif in a sea battle near Ushant on 12 December 1781. During this fight, his ship bravely faced off against a British ship called HMS Edgar.
Hero at the Battle of the Saintes
Macarty Macteigue later commanded another 74-gun ship, the Magnifique. This was during the famous Battle of the Saintes on 12 April 1782. In this major battle, Macarty was praised for how closely he supported the main French ship, the Ville de Paris. An investigation after the battle found that he had done nothing wrong. In fact, they highly praised his brave actions and leadership during the fight.
After his time at sea, Macarty Macteigue took on new responsibilities. On 21 December 1782, he became the Director of constructions for the navy. This meant he helped oversee the building of new ships. Later, on 1 May 1786, he became a 'Chef de Division.' In this role, he served as a Major General for the Navy in Rochefort, an important French port.
