French ship Magnifique (1750)


Magnifique was the lead ship of the 3-ship Magnifique class 74-gun ship of the line of the French Navy.

Career

In 1760, Magnifique was under Duchaffault, and patrolled off Martinique, along with Hébé, under La Touche Beauregard.
Captain Brach captained Magnifique at the Battle of Ushant on 27 July 1778, at the Battle of Grenada on 6 July 1779, and at the Battle of Martinique on 17 April 1780.

Fate

On 15 August 1782, Magnifique was wrecked along the rocky shore of Lovells Island, in Boston Harbor, MA, USA. She was rumoured to have been carrying "long-lost treasure." According to a US National Park Service Guide, the submerged vessel is still visible from N 42° 19.902’ W 070° 55.818’ during periods of calm.
On 3 September 1782 the Continental Congress decided to present the ship of the line to King Louis XVI of France to replace Magnifique. The gift was to symbolize the new nation's "appreciation for France's service to and sacrifices in behalf of the cause of the American patriots".