French forçats dredging harbour at Flushing, Netherlands according to the Dutch newspaper Koninglyke staats-courant dated 12 June 1806

An item dated Flushing the 5th reported that the expected French forçats (in the past known as galley-slaves) finally arrived and were accommodated on board of the old frigate Walcheren.(1) They were to be used for dredging the Dokhaven. The men were chained two by two wearing a red bonnet with a number on it, a short red jacket, red trousers and heavy shoes. Letters on the collar gave an impression which crime(s) they committed. Another newspaper Amsterdamsche Courant dated the 14th confirmed this tem. The newspaper Groninger Courant dated the 13th also referred to an item dated Flushing the 5th although supplying other details. Apparently arrived on the 3rd 200 French galley slaves transported in vessels coming from Antwerp. All were accommodate on board of the frigate Walcheren which was also fitted out for this use. According to the rumours was a similar number to be expected. Necessary tools like wheelbarrows were brought over from France and stored in the arsenal. The newspaper Amsterdamsche courant dated 31 July published an item dated Flushing the 23rd reporting that the French galley-criminals on board of the frigate Wacheren returned on the 20st towards Antwerp following orders of commissary-general of the navy Mallouet.(2)

Notes
1. A 7th Charter ,of the admiralty Zealand, built at Flushing in 1767, sold to be broken up in 1806, dimensions 130 x 31’9½“-37 x 14’10“, 20-24 guns and crew numbering, 150-180 men.
2. In 1795 was between France and the Batavian republic agreed that the town Flushing was controlled by both sides. As a result of the treaty of Fontainebleau dated 11 November 1807 became Flushing French territory. This was formalized on 21 January 1808 and since then was Flushing part of the arrondissement Eelklo, department Schelde.