Naval shipbuilding and the defence works at Antwerp, Belgium according to the Dutch newspaper Opregte Haarlemse Courant dated 23 August 1804

According to an item dated Antwerp 20 August was the birthday of emperor Napoleon on the 16^th ceremoniously celebrated in the Arsenal and at the shipyards. Commissary general of the navy Malouet held a speech that day which was enthusiastically received by the labourers and the day ended with dinners, balls, firework and so on. While the government considered Antwerp to be a string location of the first line was ordered to prepare her in the uttermost state of defence. For this purpose were all ready qualified officers and a large number of labourers arrived. The building of some ships was started and some keels were laid down. It was expected that the number of labourers would be around 3,000 men. The same day arrived also 400 galley slaves to be followed within a few days by a similar number to be used for working at the defence works. The dock was to be built near the castle.