French and British squadrons were hunting merchant traffic while searching for the American grain convoy. Admiral Nielly captured ten ships from a Newfoundland convoy, including HMS Castor and her captain Thomas Troubridge. Rear Admiral Montagu later retook the merchant prizes and a French corvette. The recapture produced more than recovered cargo because prisoners could report the French force's direction and strength. This opening to the campaign shows convoy warfare, prize-taking, and operational intelligence working together before Howe ever sighted Villaret's battlefleet.
Chapter · 43:15-46:04
Newfoundland prizes reveal the Atlantic campaign
The battle grew out of commerce raiding in which a Newfoundland convoy, HMS Castor, recaptured prizes, and prisoner reports all carried intelligence value.