Nathaniel Dance's convoy comprised twenty-nine merchant vessels and one brig, while Charles Linois brought a 74-gun ship of the line, two frigates, a corvette, and another brig. The China Fleet carried millions of pounds in 1804 trade goods, a strategic commercial prize worth far more in modern terms. News of renewed war had only just reached the Pacific, and no Royal Navy squadron could arrive quickly from the other side of the world. Linois had learned the convoy's destination and departure date from Dutch sources at Batavia, enabling him to sail in search of it. Some East Indiamen mounted substantial batteries, but many relied on short-ranged carronades and none matched a purpose-built ship of the line in firepower or protection.
Chapter · 50:18-55:33
The China Fleet carries immense value with one brig for escort
Twenty-nine merchantmen carrying extraordinarily valuable Far Eastern trade face a French ship of the line and escorts with only the company brig Ganges as a purpose-built warship.