 By early spring of 1794 , the situation in France was dire . With famine looming after the failure of the harvest and the blockade of French ports and trade , the French government was forced to look overseas for sustenance . Turning to France 's colonies in the Americas , and the agricultural bounty of the United States , the National Convention gave orders for the formation of a large convoy of sailing vessels to gather at Hampton Roads in the Chesapeake Bay , where Admiral Vanstabel would wait for them . According to contemporary historian William James this conglomeration of ships was said to be over 350 strong , although he disputes this figure , citing the number as 117 ( in addition to the French warships ) . 
 By early spring of 1794 , the situation in France was dire . With famine looming after the failure of the harvest and the blockade of French ports and trade , the French government was forced to look overseas for sustenance . Turning to France <a href='null_genetive' title='1'><mark>'s</mark></a>colonies in the Americas , and the agricultural bounty of the United States , the National Convention gave orders for the formation of a large convoy of sailing vessels to gather at Hampton Roads in the Chesapeake Bay , where Admiral Vanstabel would wait for them . According to contemporary historian William James this conglomeration of ships was said to be over 350 strong , although he <a href='uninflect' title='2'><mark>disputes</mark></a> this figure , citing the number as 117 ( in addition to the French warships ) . 
By early spring of 1794 , the situation in France was dire . w famine looming after da failure of the harvest and tdablockade of French ports and trade , the French government was forced to look overseas for sustenance . Turning to France  colonies in the Americas , and the agricultural bounty of thdanited States , the National Convention gave orders for thedarmation of a large convoy of sailing vessels to gather at Hampton Roads in the Chesapeake Bay , where Admiral Vanstabel would wait fir them . According to contemporary historian William James this conglomeration of ships was said to b ova 350 strong , although he dispute dis figure , citing the daber as 117 ( in addition to the French warships ) .