The son of the king Prince de Joinville left 5 August with the ship of the line Hercule Toulon for an extended voyage towards South and North America. The Hercule was accompanied by the corvette la Favorite. At the same time left the squadron commanded by rear admiral Lalande Toulon. After escorting the Hercule a while the squadron was ordered to cruise off the African coast and transport from Oran towards Bone. It consisted of 5 ships of the line.
