CHAPTER IV
WAR BEGINS BETWEEN FRANCE AND GREAT BRITAIN. BRITISH EVACUATE PHILADELPHIA. NAVAL OPERATIONS OF D'ESTAING AND HOWE ABOUT NEW YORK, NARRAGANSETT BAY, AND BOSTON. COMPLETE SUCCESS OF LORD HOWE. AMERICAN DISAPPOINTMENT IN D'ESTAING. LORD HOWE RETURNS TO ENGLAND
1778
France recognizes the Independence of the United States, and makes with them a defensive Alliance [58]
A French Fleet sails for America under Comte d'Estaing [59]
Unprepared condition of the British Navy [59]
Admiral Byron sails with a Reinforcement for America [59]
Ill effect of Naval Unreadiness upon British Commerce; and especially on the West Indies [60]
Admiral Keppel puts to Sea with the British Channel Fleet [61]
First Guns of the War with France [62]
Extreme Length of Byron's Passage [62]
He turns back to Halifax [62]
D'Estaing's slowness allows Howe to escape from Delaware Bay. Howe's Celerity [62]
Evacuation of Philadelphia by British Army, and its precipitate Retreat to New York [63]
Escape of both Army and Fleet due to d'Estaing's Delays [63]
Rapid Action of Lord Howe [64]
D'Estaing Arrives off New York [64]
Howe's elaborate Dispositions for the Defence of New York Bay [65]
Statement of British and French Naval Force [66]
D'Estaing decides not to attempt Passage of the Bar, and puts to Sea [67]
Anchors off Narragansett Bay [69]
Forces the Entrance to Newport and Anchors inside the Bay [70]
The British garrison besieged by superior American and French forces [70]
Howe appears with his Fleet and anchors off the entrance, at Point Judith [71]
Sustained Rapidity of his action at New York [71]
D'Estaing Withdraws from Siege of Newport and puts to Sea [73]
Manœuvres of the two Opponents [74]
D'Estaing quits the Field, and both Fleets are scattered by a heavy Gale [75]
Howe returns to New York and collects his Fleet [76]
D'Estaing calls oft Newport; but abandons the Siege finally, taking his Fleet to Boston [77]
Critical Condition of British garrison in Newport. D'Estaing's withdrawal compels Americans to raise the siege [77]
Howe follows d'Estaing to Boston [77]
Discussion of the Conduct of the opposing Admirals [78]
Howe gives up his Command and returns to England [80]