Frenchmen in The Defense of Puerto Rico
When the British attempted to invade Puerto Rico in 1797 under the command of Sir Ralph Abercromby, many Frenchmen offered their services to Spain and came to the defense of the island. Among them was M. Daubón, captain of the ship L'Espiégle and Captain Lobeau of the ship Le Triomphant. Among the French surnames of those who fought on land were the following; Bernard, Hirigoyan, Chateau, Roussell, Larrac and Mallet. It must also be mentioned that the British landed a force of 400 French prisoners, who were ordered to fight against their will. The invasion failed and the British retreated on April 30 to their ships and on May 2 set sail northward. Many of the Frenchmen who fought preferred to stay and live in the island. The descendants of the families which they established continue to live there today.
Read more about this topic: French Immigration To Puerto Rico
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