At the entry of France into the American War of Independence in 1778, D'Estaing left Toulon in command of a fleet of twelve ships of the line and four frigates.
He intended to assist the American colonies against Great Britain.
He sailed on 13 April, and, between the 11th and the 22nd of July, blockaded the smaller British fleet of Lord Howe at Sandy Hook, New Jersey, off the southern entrance to New York harbour.
He did not enter the harbour because his largest ships were believed to be unable to clear the bar at its mouth.
At the entry of France into the American War of Independence in 1778, D'Estaing left Toulon in command of a fleet of twelve ships of the line and four frigates. He intended to assist the American colonies against Great Britain. He sailed on 13 April, and, between the 11th and the 22nd of July, blockaded the smaller British fleet of Lord Howe at Sandy Hook, New Jersey, off the southern entrance to New York harbour. He did not enter the harbour because his largest ships were believed to be unable to clear the bar at its mouth.
Charles Henri Hector d'Estaing