ssed unanimously, thanking General Washington for the
activity with which he marched from the camp at Valley Forge, in
pursuit of the enemy; for his distinguished exertions in forming the
line of battle, and for his great good conduct in the action; and he
was requested to signify the thanks of congress to the officers and
men under his command, who distinguished themselves by their conduct
and valour in the battle.

[Sidenote: July 5.]

After remaining a few days on the high grounds of Middletown, Sir
Henry Clinton proceeded to Sandy Hook, whence his army passed over to
New York.

CHAPTER II.

Count D'Estaing arrives with a French fleet.... Meditates an
attack on the British fleet in New York harbour....
Relinquishes it.... Sails to Rhode Island.... Lord Howe
appears off Rhode Island.... Both fleets dispersed by a
storm.... General Sullivan lays siege to Newport....
D'Estaing returns.... Sails for Boston.... Sullivan
expresses his dissatisfaction in general orders.... Raises
the siege of Newport.... Action on Rhode Island.... The
Americans retreat to the Continent.... Count D'Estaing
expresses his dissatisfaction with Sullivan in a letter to
congress.... General Washington labours successfully to heal
these discontents.... Lord Howe resigns the command of the
British fleet.... Colonel Baylor's regiment surprised....
Captain Donop defeated by Colonel Butler.... Expedition of
the British against Egg Harbour.... Pulaski surprised.

[Sidenote: 1778 July.]

[Sidenote: Count D'Estaing arrives on the coast of Virginia with a
French fleet under his command.]

Before General Washington could reach the ground he designed to
occupy, intelligence was received that a powerful French fleet, under
the command of the Count D'Estaing, had appeared off Chingoteague
inlet, the northern extremity of the coast of Virginia.

The Count had sailed from Toulon on the 13th of April, with twelve
ships of the line and six frigates, having on board a respectable body
of land forces. His destination was the Delaware; and he hoped to find
the British fleet in that river, and their army in Philadelphia. An
uncommon continuance of adverse winds, protracted his voyage across
the Atlantic to the extraordinary length of eighty-seven days. This
unusual circumstance saved the British fleet and army.

[Sidenote: He meditates an attack on the British fleet at New