troy any part of the French squadron lately arrived on the
coasts of this continent, as well as other ships of war of that
nation appearing on the coasts of North America, to the utmost
of your ability, until further orders, keeping this secret.

Dated on board H.M.S. Flora, at Newport, Rhode Island, 26th
July 1778.
(Signed)
J. BRISBANE.

"To Lieutenant Saumarez, commanding
the Spitfire, galley."

This order was transmitted with an enclosure, designated "Copy of a
paragraph of a letter received from Lord Viscount Howe, dated off
Sandy Hook, 19th July 1778."

"As there is not a sufficient naval force for the defence of
Rhode Island, and none can be sent while the French squadron, at
anchor off Sandy Hook, continues so much superior to that under
my command, it may not be unseasonable to remind you that you
are at liberty to apply the force under your direction, by
landing of guns and men for the service of the batteries;
dismantling, and even destroying the ships, to strengthen the
defences of the post in the most effectual manner, in case of an
attack upon the post, more especially when no longer in prospect
of rendering better assistance under the same circumstances, or
preventing the capture of the ships.

"Every captain or commander is therefore directed to attend to
the foregoing paragraph, and act from circumstances, in the best
and most effectual manner possible for the defence of the post,
and ship or vessel under his command, so as to answer the
intention of his lordship. Dated on board H.M.S. Flora,
Newport Harbour, 27th July 1778.

"To Lieutenant Saumarez, commanding
H.M. galley Spitfire."

The French, who had secretly been assisting the Americans, and had
long been preparing for war, sent a powerful fleet from France, which
arrived, and anchored off Sandy Hook, while Lord Howe was within the
harbour with a very inferior force, but could not be attacked: they
therefore bent their course to reduce Rhode Island. On the 29th of
July they were discovered; and, on the 4th of August, two ships of the
line and two frigates entered the passage, where the Kingfisher sloop,
the Alarm and Spitfire, galleys, were stationed; and it being no
longer possible to prevent them from falling into the hands of the
enemy, their stores, guns, and crews were landed, and the vessels set
on fire.

CHAPTER III.

1778 to 1782.