The French naval strength according to the Dutch newspaper Vlissingse Courant dated 7 September 1884

The French navy consisted on paper of 20 ironclads 1st class of 4 being built ore recently launched with a measurement of circa 11,000 ton, 35-50cm thick armour and while the largest ships were armed with each 3 monster guns of 110 ton, 14 ironclads 2nd class, 6 coastal defence vessels and 18 smaller armoured vessels like gunboats. Further more 131 unarmed screw steamships, 39 transports, 20 paddle steamships and 50 sailing vessels, totally 298 ships. The personnel strength was 68,700 sailors and petty officers, 493 masters, 796 lieutenant, 208 captains, 109 colonels, 40 rear admirals, 26 vice admirals and one admiral. Further more were 4,000 marines, 2,300 engineers and 4,500 sea artillerists.