In December 1778, after d'Estaing's squadron had transferred to the West Indies, the "César" took part in the Battle of St. Lucia. On 6 July 1779 "César" was part of the rear squadron in the hard-fought battle of Grenada against the forces of John Byron. After Estaing's failure to support the Siege of Savannah in October 1779, "César" returned to France with the other ships that had arrived on America in 1778 in order to be refitted and to recruit new crew.