A painting by Francois-Marguerite-Cheri Dubreuil (1828 - c. 1880). Mogador (also known as Essaouira for a time) in southern Morocco was founded by the Portuguese at the end of the 15th century. France invaded Algeria in 1830 but almost immediately encountered a resistance movement led by Abd al-Kadir. The rebellion inflicted a series of defeats on the occupying French and enjoyed the support of a number of neighbouring countries including Morocco. It was for this reason that a French fleet including Triton, Gemappes, Suffren, Triton and Belle Poule weighed anchor off Mogador on 15 August 1844. The Moors opened hostilities with a barrage of fire from the fortified battery. The response from the French was minimal until later in the day when a full scale bombardment was unleashed. Resistance from the battery soon ceased and a militia, formed of local tribes to defend the city, promptly sacked it. The French infantry took control three days later killing over 500 tribesman while suffering less than 30 casualties themselves.
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