 At the end of the year, the National Convention ordered that a squadron under contre-amiral Jean François Renaudin, recently promoted for his defence of "Vengeur du Peuple" at the Glorious First of June, ferry ammunition from Brest to Toulon.This squadron comprised six ships of the line, three frigates and one corvette.Vice-amiral Villaret-Joyeuse was to sail the fleet of Brest out to escort Renaudin in the Bay of Biscay, cruise these waters for a fortnight, and then return to Brest while sending a 6-ship and 3-frigate strong squadron to Guadeloupe.