This week's big question: What was France's greatest naval success of the period? And of course, why?
A few contenders have been suggested on twitter, including Chesapeake. Any thoughts folks?
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A good, not great, reference for the action is on pages 211-216 of EH Jenkins' A History of the French Navy. On page 211 it reads 'Villaret's instructions were to avoid a battle unless it were necessary to save the convoy...' As he accomplished that, the French strategic objective was achieved.
Whether or not the entire country was fed by the convoy is irrelevant. Paris was 'resupplied' and that kept that volatile city calm and at least semi-loyal. At that time, that was enough. The French revolutionary governments were unstable and subject to being overthrown. Governmental stability did not 'appear' until after the Brumaire coup and a competent head of state.