Yesterdate: This day from Kolkata’s past, March 8, 1757

On this day, two French privateers intercepted three homeward-bound East Indiamen — Suffolk, Houghton and Godolphin, off Cape of Good Hope. The event is depicted in a painting signed L. Dunn.

The East Indiamen were carrying rich cargo, the reason the French ships intercepted them. But they were not successful in capturing the British vessels, which formed a line and forced the French ships to retreat.

The victory of the East Indiamen was considered an important one by the East India Company because of the value of the cargo. All the ship companies were rewarded by the East India Company.

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