In 1778, Saint-Hippolyte commanded the 74-gun "Victoire" the squadron under Fabry. The year after, "Victoire" was attached to the Armada of 1779. He took part in the Battle of Martinique on 17 April 1780. On 1 May 1779, "Victoire" took part in the capture of HMS "Montreal", along with "Bourgogne". Saint-Hippolyte captained "Victoire" at the Battle of the Chesapeake on 5 September 1781.