At day break the British fleet discovered at anchor nearly in the same position as yesterday Evening.

Thick weather. Wind N.W, and appearance of rain.

Several movements observed in the French fleet. D’Estaing¹ appears to be making a disposition to receive Lord Howe, in case the wind should admit of his coming in; and is endeavouring to place his ships in such a manner as to bring the greatest fire possible upon the line of Entrance, which the Channel he is in will permit.

Many large flat boats and launches are passing between Connonicut and the French fleet, & bringing off men.

Captains Lumm and Barry² returned early this morning from on board Lord Howe’s ship, and inform us that the force under his Command is, 8 Sail of the line, (74 & 64), 4 ships of 50 Guns, 2 of 44, 6 Frigates, 3 fire ships, 2 Bombs, and 4 Gallies.³ The whole remarkably well manned, in the highest spirits, and most anxiously wishing for an opportunity to Signalize themselves in the service of their Country against its ancient and perfidious Enemy. The 23^rd Regiment, or Royal Welch Fusiliers, is on board The fleet, having voluntarily offered to serve on board on this Occasion as Marines.⁴

Lord Howe told Captain Lumm he was determined to engage the Enemy; from which we may conclude he is confident of success; otherwise he would not risk an Action in which a defeat would be attended with the most fatal consequences.

The French fleet appears to be composed of two ships of 90 Guns, 9 of 74, and 1 of 50.⁵

About 8 o’Clock the wind shifted round more to the Northward, and a Signal was made by the French Admiral to cut or slip; soon after which some of the Ships were under way. The wind moderate at N.E. We at first imagined their intention was to bring up against our batteries; but we soon found they were determined to go out to engage the British fleet. As soon as Lord Howe perceived they were in motion, he weighed, and the British fleet lay to. The French fleet having all got in motion, a Ship of 74 Guns led out, and was followed by D’Estaing, and 9 other ships in a line ahead; — (The other ship went out by the Narraganset passage). Our Batteries being all prepared and well manned, the action commenced about half past 8, by a shot from the North Battery at the headmost ship. As the ships advanced, the fire became more general from all our batteries; but as the Enemy had no intention of bringing up against them, they kept as near as they could to the Connonicut shore, so that our Guns could not do the desired execution on them: — however, many of our shot struck them, especially from Brenton’s point battery, which being nearest to them did great service, altho’ the effect could not be perceived.

The French ships kept up a prodigious fire as they passed our batteries. I am certain they did not fire less than 2,500 Cannon shot, but it was done with so little judgement or effect, that not a drop of blood was drawn on our side nor a Gun damaged. Many of their shot fell into the town, and one ship elevated her guns so high as to throw shot of 48 l^bs 200 yards beyond the Library⁶ which is situated on the highest ground above the center of the town. Some of the French ships fire in a very irregular and hasty manner, 14 or 15 Guns almost at the same instant, so that their shot fell wide of the object: Others were more regular, beginning forward, and firing progressively aft.

The fire from our Batteries was kept up with great spirit, perseverance, and judgement, until the whole of the Enemy’s fleet had got out. The Cannonade continued for very near an hour and a quarter. As soon as the ships had passed our batteries, they crouded all the sail they could set, even to Studding Sails and Royals, and stood directly for the British Fleet. As soon as Lord Howe saw them coming out, he made sail, and stood away, S.S.E, but not with a pressed sail, few of his ships having more than their topsails, and Fore sail set. His reasons for thus retiring before the French fleet are not known to us, but from a
knowledge of his abilities and approved spirit, every person is convinced he is acting the part of an experienced and able Seaman. Lord Howe’s knowledge of his own force, and that of the Enemy, together with that of the advantages and disadvantages of Winds, Tides, Currents, and the adjacent Coasts, is so perfect, that we, who are not competent Judges of these matters, must by no means pretend to censure any part of his conduct.⁷

’Tis evident that it would be high imprudent to engage with such powerful ships without the advantage of the Wind, particularly when a great part of his dependence is on his fire ships. I believe there never was a Naval engagement on which so much depended, so that which is now likely to take place.

The whole Army were anxious Spectators of the motions of both fleets, and of the Cannonade, which formed a very interesting scene. We were in constant expectation, during the time the French ships were going past our Batteries, of seeing a Mast or Yard shot away, or some material damage happen to them, which would have been of great advantage, but they did not appear to have received any injury.

It must be acknowledged that the French Admiral acted in a spirited manner, for notwithstanding the British Fleet off the harbour appeared to be much more numerous and powerful than his own, he with great expedition made use of the first favorable wind that offered, and put to Sea, under the fire of our Batteries, in order to bring them to Action. Had one of his ships been damaged so as to prevent her from going to Sea, it is probable we might have destroyed her, and Lord Howe’s superiority would have been decided.

The French Frigates and the Armed Brig remained in the Seconnet passage.⁸

The Fleets were out of sight about Sunset, standing S.S.W. the French having previously crouded sail, and appeared to have gained upon the British. . . .

The Seamen in the different Redoubts & Batteries in the front line having thrown away a great deal of Ammunition unnecessarily during these two days, in firing at almost every person who appeared on the opposite heights, the General gave an order this day that they should not fire until a body of men appeared in arms, or the Enemy were discovered breaking ground. . . .