Marie Antoinette May 1774, the Dauphin ascended the throne as King Louis XVI of France and Navarre with Marie Antoinette as his Queen. At the outset, the new queen had limited political influence with her husband, who, with the support of his two most important ministers, Chief Minister Maurepas and Foreign Minister Vergennes, blocked several of her candidates from assuming important positions, including Choiseul. The queen did play a decisive role in the disgrace and exile of the most powerful of Louis XV's ministers, the Duke of Aiguillon. On 24 May 1774, two weeks after the death of Louis XV, the king
HMS Marie Antoinette (1793) Antoinette" made up part of the squadron commanded by the newly promoted Rear-Admiral John Ford and accompanying Brigadier-General John Whyte that briefly captured Port-au-Prince. Records indicate that "Marie Antoinette" did not play any significant role in the siege. At the time some forty-five vessels lay in harbour and these were all made prizes. In 1796 she made up part of a small squadron that captured the schooner "Charlotte" and brig "Sally". Perkins remained with her until he was promoted master and commander into the 14-gun brig "Drake" in early 1797. It is not clear who was captain of "Marie Antoinette"