[Newport] R. ISLAND
[1778]
31st July. All quiet during the night. Hazy at day break, with the Wind at S. The French fleet seen off the harbour, and the whole under way steering towards Point Judith: at 6 they tacked and stood to the Eastward. We at first imagined their intention was to attempt to come in; but it soon appeared they were endeavoring to get further off shore, as there is a prospect of bad weather. They anchored at 10 o'clock, something farther to the Southward than before.
The two ships1 off the N. point of Connonicut2 got under way when the rest of their fleet did, and endeavored to work down the Narragansett passage;3 but the wind & tide being against them they were obliged to anchor in a line with the N. point of the Island. At 11 they began to warp down, but about 2 o'clock, finding that little could be done that way, they desisted, not having got more than a mile down.
The Frigates4 in the Seconnet5 made no movement. We are inclined to believe, by this attempt of the two ships to go down again without having attempted anything, that The French Admiral6 has received some information of the approach of the Fleet under Lord Howe, or that under Admiral Byron,7 and that he is endeavoring to collect his force.
The fog came in very thick at 8 o'clock, so that little could be discovered at Sea. At 1 o'Clock, we could just discern the position of the Enemy's fleet. It was so thick in the afternoon, that no part of the surrounding shore could be seen.
Some rain after 6 in the Evening. Wind S.E.
No appearance of any movements among the Rebels.
The Crew of a Rebel Privateer landed on Connonicut yesterday, where they plundered and abused the Inhabitants.
Orders were given last night for the baggage of all the Regiments encamped without the Redoubts, to be sent into town immediately.
It has been determined this Morning by the Generals, to withdraw the Troops from the North part of the Island, bring off all the Cannon and Stores, burn all the Barracks, and drive in all the Cattle and horses, as soon as it becomes evident that the French Fleet are determined to force an entrance into the harbour. Every thing is to be withdrawn within the New Redoubts, and our defence on the land side is to be confined to that height and position from Tomini hill on the left, round by Green-End and Easton's beach on the right. It is taken for granted, that the Rebels will attempt making a descent under cover of The French ships; If that is the case, it will most probably be attempted somewhere on the E. side;—and as The Mill-Creek opposite Fogland8 is the most likely place for assembling boats for a descent on any part S. of Fogland; and Wanton's Cove9 near Howlands ferry for the like purpose N. of Fogland; it should if possible be ascertained whether they have any number of boats, or any considerable bodies of troops collected at or near those places;-for if they have not, it is probable the Object of the French fleet is nothing more than to intercept our Victuallers from England, which since the appearance of the Enemy off Sandy hook, have probably received orders to proceed to this port. Having effected that object, they may perhaps proceed to Boston.