BattlefieldsAction at Tongue 1746
Jacobite Risings

Action at Tongue 1746

1746
Sutherland, Scotland
Also known as: Battle of Tongue Bay · Capture of the Jacobite treasure ship
Era
Jacobite Risings
Battle Type
Naval Engagement
Location
Sutherland, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Jacobites (French treasure ship crew)
Forces
Jacobites: c.80 French crew & Jacobite supporters aboard ship.
VS
Victor
Government (MacKay of Bighouse)
Forces
Government: c.300 naval/militia
Outcome
French ship carrying gold for the Jacobites captured; Jacobite escort destroyed
The Battle

History & Significance

A French ship carrying 13,000 gold louis d'or — desperately needed Jacobite funds — was intercepted off Tongue in Sutherland by a government sloop. The gold was landed but the escort bringing it south to join the Jacobite army was intercepted and destroyed by MacKay of Bighouse and his men. The loss of this gold crippled Jacobite finances in the final weeks before Culloden.

Casualties & Losses

Jacobite escort destroyed; gold captured

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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