The French fleet encountered a severe storm, at
a little distance from Newport, in which they re-
ceived much damage ; and a part of them had a
short engagement with the fleet of the enemy.*

The British made an assault upon the American
troops, who were posted at their entrenchments,
then lately thrown up in the neighbourhood of
Newport ; and were received with great spirit
and bravery. They were engaged the most of
the day ; and many men were lost on each side.
The Americans maintained their ground, but had
little reason to boast. A few days after, the ene-
my received reinforcements from New York ; and
general Sullivan, by advice of a council of war,
concluded to leave the island. The retreat was
conducted with great order, and without any loss
on the part of the American troops. This was
just matter of satisfaction, as the British forces

* When it was known that the French would not aid in this
expedition, most of the volunteers, and a part of the militia,
left the island.
164

were then greatly superior, and they also had a
large fleet in the harbour and vicinity of Newport.
And yet the issue was not such as had been, at one
period, confidently anticipated. Great hope had
been indulged from the assistance of the French*
The want of success in this expedition was the
more mortifying, as it was the third attempt made,
within eigh'een months, to drive the British from
this part of New England.
