The Dangers of the Sea

Whether he fought for glory or for money, every privateer was exposed to the elements at sea. On the St. Lawrence, storms were frequent and quite dangerous. Indeed, no one would venture out on to the St. Lawrence without an experienced pilot to steer the ship. Even so, some storms got the better of ships in spite of the pilot's skill.

Some boarding manoeuvres sometimes increased the risk of damage and shipwreckSome boarding manoeuvres sometimes increased the risk of damage and shipwreck. For instance, to fire canons, the men had to open the portholes first. This made the ship more vulnerable to water intake.

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A Failed Attack

Privateer vessel: L'Affriquain
Captain: De Marigny
Home port: Rochefort, France
Destination: Quebec City

The Affriquain, in 1710, was an example of a warship of the King of France being outfitted by a private outfitter. It transported merchandise, but was equipped for war in order to launch attacks on enemies of France and its colonies. It is quite likely that Captain De Marigny had a commission for war and merchandise.

This explains why, when he encountered an enemy ship, he had no choice but to attack, only things didn't go as he had planned.

He ordered three portholes open for said battery on the starboard side, facing the enemy, and after said canons were in battery, [...] the waves grew high, such that they entered by said portholes to which the crew quickly came running to withdraw said canons and close said portholes. Water continued to pour in so abundantly that a number of crewmembers had it up to their knees [...]

ANQ-Q, TL5 D 441-1/2, 13/08/1710

In any event, the Affriquain's attack had fallen through, and it could do nothing but flee.