[Newport] R. ISLAND
[1778]
29th July. Heavy rain, with Thunder & Lightning about 1 o'clock this morning, which continued for an hour. Fine day. Wind S.W.
The Faulcon1 having been rather late in getting out last night could not clear the Lighthouse, and therefore was obliged to return into the harbour. The Sphynx2 got out to Sea.
About 9 this morning a fleet of large ships appeared to the S.E. standing for the harbour, they were soon after discovered to be French; and about 12 they came too off the S. end of the Island.3 From 1 to 5 they kept standing off & on; and then came to an anchor off Brenton's reef, about 4 Miles S. of the point, in a line abreast. They consist of 12 line of Battleships and 4 Frigates;4 with several small craft attending them.
As soon as it was certain they were the French fleet, our Frigates in the Bay and Harbour (Flora and Faulcon excepted) got under way from their several stations and run close in under the West side of this Island. The Lark5 at Freeborn's-Creek, Orpheus6 at Almy's point, Cerberus7 at Layton's Creek, and Juno8 at Codrington's Cove;9 and immediately began to land their guns, stores, and Provisions. The Flora hauled close in to The Long Wharf, and The Faulcon behind Goat-Island. Preparations were at the same time made for burning or Scuttling the Frigates, as Lord Howe had sent orders to Captain Brisbane, the Senior Officer here, on no account to risque their being captured by the Enemy.10
At 7 in the Evening two French Frigates11 came into the Seconnet Passage,12 accompanied by a Brig which appeared a Rebel Privateer;13 upon which the Kingsfisher Sloop14 and The Spitfire Galley15 run up under our Battery at Fogland ferry, where they anchored, with The Alarm Galley,16 in a line across the channel; The Kingsfisher nearest our battery, and the Alarm next the Rebel shore. The Kingsfisher immediately began to land her Guns, Stores, &c.
About the same time two large French ships17 stood for the entrance of The Narragansett passage.18
On the first appearance of the Fleet, orders were given for the 54th Regiment to march to Newport, leaving their tents standing. They were immediately employed in thickening the parapet of the North Battery, which was not completed.
All the Carts and other Carriages which could be collected were employed in re moving such parts of the Stores, provisions, and Ammunition as still remained in the lower part of the town, to the Ropewalk behind Brindley's, and to Bannister's, house.
Boats were immediately sent over to Connonicut,19 from whence the Two Battalions of Anspach and Brown's Regiment of Provincials20 were withdrawn, leaving small detachments only in the Batteries on Fox-hill and The Dumplins.21 The withdrawing these Battalions immediately, was certainly well judged. From the moment the French attempted to enter the harbour, it would have been impracticable, and the loss of so considerable a part of our force, would have proved disgraceful and perhaps fatal. They should not have been sent there.
A Captain and 50 men were sent to the Battery at Brenton's point; a like number to Goat-Island; and a Picquet of a Captain and 50 men was posted on the lower part of Brenton's Neck. The whole of the troops were ordered to hold themselves in readiness to move at a moments notice.