Sir

By Agreement the Count De-Estaing & myself were to have landed our Troops on the Island Yesterday but early on Sunday Morning I received Information that the Enemy had abandoned the North End of the Island entirely and withdrawn to their Line, near Newport—This Movement of theirs was caused by the Count’s running up the River with his Fleet the day before and induced me to throw over all my Troops with- out Delay which I accordingly effected—Immediately after our Landing a Fleet under English Colours consisting of 31 Sail 8 or 10 of which appeared to be of Force were discovered Standing towards Newport—¹ As the Wind was Small & unfavourable the Count kept his Position but early Yesterday Morning got under Way with a fine Breeze and went in Chace of them—They fled before him with all the Sail they could croud but it appeared last Evening that the Count had overtaken them and was engaged and that they were Still endeavouring an Escape—They fired their Stern Chaces—

I cannot inform You when we shall make the Attack as it is uncertain when the Count will return and I think it best to wait his Arrival as the French Troops are with him— I am [&c]