From
Toulon came tidings dated 7 June was the French government first intended to
send just frigates, corvettes and brigs towards Mexico. Now it became known
that the steamboat which sailed recently from Marseille towards the Levant
orders brought to the ship of the line le Triton captain Hamelin to depart
immediately towards the French squadron commanded by captain Bazoche off the
Mexican coast. The minister of navy also ordered the 100-gun ship l’Hercule
captain Cazy and with on board the prince de Joinville to depart immediately to
Mexico.
In
the meantime were men at Toulon quite busy with caulking the 3-decker
Montebello. The brig le Voltigeur was nearly ready for departure which was
probably 8 June. The brig le Zébre was being prepared for Mexico and the brig
le Dupetit-Thours departed that day with orders for captain Bazoche.
