According to tidings from Toulon dated 10 June departed that morning the squadron commanded by admiral Hugon consisting of the ships of the line l'Océan, le Souverain, Jupiter, Jena, Suffren, Hercule, Généreux, Marengo, Ville de Marseille, Alger, Scipion and Diadème, the frigate Médée and the corvette Circé towards the Baleares. It was unknown what caused the departure despite the several rumours. Most common was believed that it was just a short training trip and that the squadron was to return within short time.
