Rigny's personal comfort with frigates shaped the command arrangement even though Breslau and Scipion delivered much of the squadron's heavy power. His strongest record was with soldiers ashore, and he had little experience handling ships larger than a frigate. Codrington and Van Heyden's low confidence in him helps explain why the French column was bracketed by stronger partners. It also clarifies why Captain Thomas Fellowes could direct local small-craft action even when Rigny's flagship was nearby.
Chapter · 1:41:21-1:49:49
Rigny chose a frigate while his line ships carried the weight
The French force contained powerful line ships, but its admiral remained aboard the frigate Sirène amid doubts about his big-ship experience.