Action of 4 January 1781

Action of 4 January 1781
Part of the American Revolutionary War
Date 4 January 1781 Location Off Brest Result British victory
Belligerents
France	Great Britain
Commanders and leaders
Tanouarn Grimouard	Lord Mulgrave Goodall
Strength
4 frigates	2 74-gun ships of the line
Casualties and losses
1 frigate captured	1 ship of the line damaged

The action of 4 January 1781 was a minor battle of the War of American Independence. A French frigate division, departing Brest, met two British 74-gun ships of the line. The frigates tried to flee their stronger opponents, which gave chase. One of the frigates sacrificed herself to allow the others to escape.