The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1838-09-05


with his reinforcement, and with ships o
war which would probably have entirely gu
off the retreat TO the continent
The conduct of Sullivan was highly ap
congress. A resolution passed in that body
declaring his retreat to have been prudent
timely, and well conducted" They ais
voted their thanks to The general and tn
army under his command, for their forti
tude, and bravery, in the action of the 29tI
of August. On major Morris, the abide
camp of Sullivan, who brought the lnteli
gence of the battle, and retreat, they con
ferred the rank of lieutenant colonel b,
brevst.
The marquis de La Fayette having re
paired To Boston, for the purpose of concil.
intion with the French admiral, and of en-
deavoring to secure his return as soon as
his fleet should be repnired, was absent du-
ring the engagement, but by great personal
exertlons, he rejoined the army just in time
TO have the charge of the rear guard on the
retreat. This young nobleman also was
named with appreciation, :" as well for his
great sacrifices of personal feeling to the
public good, IN conserving, for the interests
of the United States, to leave the army
when battle was to be expected as for the
good conduct with which he brought off the
pickels and out sentries."
The complete success of the exhibition,
against Rhode Island, had been anticipated
throughout America as certain. The cap
lure ot that important garrison was believ-
I'd TO be inevitable. The loss of so essen
lal part of the army would lead, il was
10 further and still more valuable
results.
In his public letters, general Sullivan had
spoken with grea, confidence of efIectIng in
a few days, the object of the enterprise
aud congress, the army, aud the people
were equally snngUine.
Proportioned to the cxuItation of their
hopes, was the chagTln Produced by their
Ia general orders issued
Dy Sullivan soon after the departure of D.
Estaing, for the purpose of quletlng the APP
,rehensions of his army, and impressIng
hem with a confidence in the safety OF
heir situation, under the measures he had
AIKEN to secure retreat, should the enc /
ny be reinforced, he permitted some ex-
,ressions to escape him, which manifests
he irritation Of his feelings. While"
continue the orders, :" the general wishes
hem" Ohe army "to place proper conf
lence IN him as their commander in chief,
whose business it is to attend to their safety,
he yet hopes the event will prove America
able to procure that by her own arms,
which her allies refuse To assist in obtain
ug." These expressions being understood
70 impute to the count D'Estaing. and to
he French nation, an indisposition 20 pro-
mote the interests of the United States, ,
wounded the feelings of the French officers,
and added in no small degree to the resent
ncnts of the moment In subsequent or
lers, the general stated himselfto have been
by those who supposed him
o blame the French admiEal, with whose
,rders he was unacquainted, and of whose
conduct he consequently was unable to
udge. lie at the same time stated explic.
tly the great aids America had received
rom France, aids of which he ought not to
'e unmindfuI, under any disappointment /;
md which should preven, too sudden CEN
ure of any movement whateYerN