The French advanced squadron faced a much heavier British fleet behind the four-ship inshore watch. Beyond those four third rates, Pellew had four first rates, four second rates, and another third rate available farther offshore. Captured French Téméraire-class ships serving in the Royal Navy show how prizes could return to war against their builders. Toulon held a larger theoretical fleet of roughly twelve to fourteen ships of the line and six frigates, even though only part of it drove the action described here. This concentration helps explain why Britain did not divert its principal battle fleet to North America during the War of 1812, since the French Mediterranean fleet remained the larger strategic threat.
Chapter · 33:50-37:29
Toulon's blockade fleet and the War of 1812
The opposing orders of battle show why Britain kept first- and second-rate ships concentrated against Toulon while the War of 1812 continued across the Atlantic.