[8][9] In April 1781, his health deteriorating, Estienne d'Orves gave command of the division to Tromelin, and that of Orient to First Officer Bolle.

[10] Suffren arrived at Isle de France with reinforcements on 25 October 1781, and Estienne d'Orves decided to mount a raid against British interests in India.

[9] On 7 December 1781, Estienne d'Orves departed Isle de France with 11 ships, 3 frigates and 3 corvettes, intending to attack Trincomalee.

[11] However, in the following days, his failing health deteriorated to the point where he was not fit for duty, and he delegated command to Suffren.

[2] Charles Cunat compares d'Orves to Tronjoli in that they both failed to seize the initiative against the British,[8] and contrasts them to Suffren's skill.