French naval preparations according to the Dutch newspaper ‘s Hertogenbossche Courant dated 27 June 1777

According to an item dated Paris 16 June reported letters of Toulon, Brest and Rochefort that in these harbours were 68 warships of 64-100 guns available which could depart within 2 months. There were 5 ships of the line on stocks and further more were 20 frigates of 40-50 guns and some smaller frigates and other vessels. From Brest was especially reported that there recently 2 ships of the line and 2 frigates departed to look out for some British ships sighted off the island Ouessant pretending they were cruising there for American ships.