During the 1797 attack on Puerto Rico by the forces of Gen Abercromby and Admiral Harvey a few French citizens were living in PR due to their displeasure with the political situation in France, One of them was a retired ensign from the French royal navy and in 1797 was the owner of a French merchant frigate named L’ Expliege, Antonio Daubon et Dupuy which was making a trade voyage to Puerto Rico. As soon he realized England was invading PR he enlisted with his crew to aid in the Defense, He joined other French citizens under the authority of Don Ramon de Castro (gov of PR) and with two other French citizens named Mr Paris and Mr Varon both ex French naval officers manage to muster about 90 French descendants and citizens. Castro order them to Fort San Geronimo to manage a position (cannon) which they manage day and night jointly with the puertorricans and Spanish soldiers. During the first days of the siege 40 French soldiers (urban militia) went out with 20 cavalrymen from the local militia and 40 Fixed Regiment soldiers to encounter the British advance in Santurce (1). They encounter the British advance and were outnumbered, they made contact with the enemy but had to retreat to the San Antonio fort but no loss was reported during that day. A few French citizens were killed during the siege by the British bombardment but at the end of the attack were recognized by Ramon de Castro and were allowed to carry their flag during the victory parade.

There was no formal unit during the attack but much of the French citizens were ex soldiers but mostly mariners.

After the attack Mr Daubon stayed in PR and married a puertorrican lady, bought some land in Bayamon and became a Spanish citizen on the 2nd  of may 1815 exactly 19 years after the attack to PR. He became a very successful businessman and left many descendants to this day. He is buried in the chapel of Franciscan fryers with some other heroes of the 97 attack. He never went back to France, but his family did.

Mr Paris and Mr Varon requested to join the Spanish navy as Frigates Lieutenants but the Spanish crown denied their request.

Prepared by Eric Cardona, R.F.P.R.

(1) Santurce - Area between island of San Juan and the Cangrejos British landing.