Algerian "Navy" 1732

1700-1799. Including the French Revolutionary Wars and the American War of Independence.
Navclio
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Algerian "Navy" 1732

Post by Navclio »

I need a list of Algerian armed ships or "warships" in 1732.

I am preparing a paper on Spanish use of sea power, 1732–48, for the biennial Naval History Symposium at the U.S. Naval Academy. Although the Spanish expedition to seize Oran (or reconquer as the Spanish called it, since they had held it nearly 200 years, 1509-1708) was not contested at sea, I would like to be able to compare the Spanish covering battle force with what the Spanish could have faced.

I have a list of the Algerian "marine" about 1725 from a Spanish translation of M. Laugier de Tassy, Histoire du Royaume d'Alger (Amsterdam: Henri du Sauzet,1725), which I will be happy to share, but I don't know how many of those ships were still extant seven years later (the list was recent; some of the ships had building dates of 1721–22).

I must submit the paper to other panel members and the commentator by August 15 and would therefore need the information sooner.

My thanks to anyone who can supply this arcane information.

Albert Parker
navclio (at) cox (dot) net
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Re: Algerian "Navy" 1732

Post by Grammont »

From 'The Political state of Great Britain. Vol 44 1732' p 146-147 concerning the events of September 1732:

It is thought that by the Spaniards having possessed themselves of the Mountains thereabouts, the Barbarian Troops could not get back again to Oran, which was the Occasion of the Town's being abandoned in so great a Hurry; For upon the Spaniards entering the Town, they found in it and the adjoining Forts, 138 Pieces of Cannon, to wit, 87 Brass, and the rest Iron, seven Mortars, all sorts of Utensils of War, and Ammunition and Provisions sufficient for a long Defence. Besides which, the Enemy were in so great a Fright, that they did not so much as carry off 12 Field Pieces, which were ready to have been carried where-ever they pleased, and were found under Fort S. Philip; and they likewise abandoned and left in the Shallows a large Galliot and five Brigantines, with which they formerly used to visit the Coasts of Spain.

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?q1= ... 42;num=146
Cy
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Re: Algerian "Navy" 1732

Post by Cy »

Hi Albert

I can't help with your query, but if I come across anything I'll let you know.

But I would be delighted if I could see your list for 1725.
OK, it was me, probably!
Navclio
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Re: Algerian "Navy" 1732

Post by Navclio »

Cy, I don't have your e-mail address anymore and it's not in your profile. The original list includes captains in 1724, calibers (but not how many of each), and place and date of construction, in addition to the following. Note that many of the names are in Spanish, probably translations of French names that were in turn translations of Arabic. Some are just descriptions; "La Caravela Inglesa" and "Caravela Inglesa" are listed as having been built in England, and "La Polacra" and "La Gabarra" are rigging types.
El Navio del Deylik (flagship), 52
El Grande Naranjo, 50
Las Grandes Gazeles, 40
El Sol de Oro, 44
El Tornasol, 44
El Caballo blanco, 44
La Rosa Roja, 38
El Leon blanco, 38
La Perla, 32
La Fortuna, 32
La media Luna, 32
Las pequeñas Gazeles, 32
la Liebre, 26
Caravela Genovesa [built "Italia"], 26
La Posta de Neptuno, 33
La Galera de Porta à Porro, Hurca del Deylik [one vessel], 16
La Caravela Inglesa, 16
La Maria, 14
La Rosa de oro, 10
L Ciudad de Mataró, 14
Caravela Inglesa, 12
La Polacra, 14
La Gabarra, 10
AvM
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Re: Algerian "Navy" 1732

Post by AvM »

Universal Spectator and Weekly Journal (London, England), Saturday, April 10, 1731

Extract of a letter from Algier , Feb 14

40 large guns were shipped by 3 Swedish ships for Day

"for launching a new 70 Gun Ship, which may be fitted for Sea in about two Months Time"

So it seems there were some changes
Last edited by AvM on Fri Jun 30, 2017 7:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.
AvM
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Re: Algerian "Navy" 1732

Post by AvM »

Daily Journal (London, England), Tuesday, January 4, 1732

"Five cruisers are put to Sea one of 70, 2 of 60, and 2 of 50"

So it seems that the 70 guns ship was really built
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Re: Algerian "Navy" 1732

Post by AvM »

Daily Journal (London, England), Tuesday, November 7, 1732

"The Dey moreover hath equipped a Squadron of 12 Ships of War to cruize before Oran
to hinder any Provisions or Succours entring by Sea"
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Re: Algerian "Navy" 1732

Post by AvM »

Daily Journal (London, England), Thursday, December 14, 1732

"14 corsairs sailed from Algier, well armed"
AvM
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Re: Algerian "Navy" 1732

Post by AvM »

Daily Journal (London, England), Wednesday, September 3, 1729;

Leghorn , Aug 20

"They write From Algier that they work there with all possible Diligence on the building of 3 Ships of War of 70 guns each, which it is said are designed to cruize against the Ships and Gallies of Malta
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Re: Algerian "Navy" 1732

Post by AvM »

Weekly Journal or British Gazetteer (London, England), Saturday, July 11, 1730;

"this wrote from Algier the 10th past, that they had then three large ships on the Stocks, which would be fit to launch; that they had recived in Prefents, Cables, Anchors, Masts, Sails, &c. proper to fit the, to Sea"
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