René Joseph Bouvet de Précourt
René Joseph Bouvet de Précourt ( — Trincomalee, 6 October 1782) was a French Navy officer. He was captain of the 64-gun Ajax in Suffren's squadron in the Indian Ocean during the War of American Independence, and fought at the Battle of Sadras on 17 February 1782. Biography Bouvet-Précourt was a French officer. He served in the French East India Company, making 12 journeys in 18 years and 2 months. He was the father of François Joseph Bouvet de Précourt. He served in the French Royal Navy under Admiral d'Aché in 1758 and 1759, rising to Captain. On 16 February 1780, Bouvet departed Lorient at the command of the 64-gun Ajax, along with Protée, Éléphant and Charmante, escorting a convoy bound for India. In late February, off Spain, the convoy met Rodney's fleet; Protée sacrificed herself to hold the British back and was captured on 24, while Charmante returned to Lorient, arriving on 3 March, and the convoy escaped under the protection of Ajax. At the Battle of Sadras, on 17 February 1782, Suffren ordered Ajax and Flamand, under Cuverville, to attack the British line to leeward. They both maneuvered to this effect, but then Tromelin, on Annibal, countermanded the