The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from a Gentleman of distinction in Cape Francois, to his friend here, dated July 31, 1779.

I unseal my letter to add the interesting news I have just learnt from a Knight of St. Louis of an Irish regiment, on board Count D'Estaing's ship, who is just arrived here with his squadron of twenty four ships, fourteen frigates, and eighty merchantmen. He tells me, that when they went to form the siege of Grenada, they were not long in reducing it, having taken it by storm. Count D'Estaing, having mounted himself at the head of his troops, took a fort very advantageous from its situation. This passed during the night. In the morning the Governor of another fort sent to propose a capitulation. The Count gave them an hour and an half, after which they made proposals, which induced him to tell them, that if they did not surrender in an instant at discretion, he was preparing to take them by force. In this manner was Grenada taken.

But Admiral Byron, who as yet knew nothing of the matter, appeared before the Count with a squadron of twenty one ships; he had caused a number of troops to land in order to assist the besieged, but it was too late. However we might have experienced a great catastrophe, had not the Count provided against it. When the ships of Byron came in sight of the port of Grenada, the French fleet was most anchored, there was a calm, and the English under sail, favoured by the wind, were in a very advantageous position; ours on the contrary was very disadvantageous. Notwithstanding our ships put under sail, and although in bad order, they joined the English, and engaged with seventeen of our ships (the other seven not having been able to come up.) We have been happy enough to defeat the English, who having all along preserved the advantage of their first position, took to flight. At this critical instant, Count D'Estaing received intelligence, that the English prisoners of Grenada were on the point of revolting, and to join the troops Admiral Byron had previously caused to land, to come to their assistance. The situation of our garrison becoming thereby very dangerous, the Count thought it fit to sacrifice the advantages that could result from his sea combat, having made four English ships and three frigates to strike, which he would of course have captured, to fly to the relief of some brave men who composed the garrison of Grenada, of which they were already in possession, but not strong enough for the security of this conquest. The Count having returned in time, drove off the English, and put every thing in the best order before he quitted the place. Respecting the taking of St. Vincent, only a frigate and three hundred men effected it. After the Count's operation at Grenada, he came to St. Christophers, where he presented himself before the English fleet, who instead of putting under sail, remained still, lest they should be attacked afresh. These are all the details I can give you. Count D'Estaing has been here these two days; his squadron is in a most brilliant condition; undoubtedly he is not come to St. Domingo to remain inactive. I shall use every opportunity to communicate to you all interesting matters. Apropos, Sir, in case you should not be apprised of it, I give it to you as a certainty, that war is declared between Spain and England.