The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from a Gentleman at St. Eustatia, July 22, 1779.

I have the pleasure of confirming the capitulation of Grenada, the particulars having just come to hand. The French troops landed on the evening of the 2d to the amount of 1300 men, the enemy was in possession of a strong post called hospital hill, very steep and difficult of access, it was fortified by a pallisade on the foot, and three intrenchments one over the other. As Byron's fleet was expected every moment, the French General resolved on storming it by three different attacks on the east side, and immediately summoned the English commander (Lord M'Cartney) to surrender, who gave for answer, that knowing his own strength and being ignorant of the French force, he was determined to defend the post to the utmost. The French immediately began the attack, the right was commanded by Viscount Noalle, the center by Count E. Dillon, and the left by Count A. Dillon. The assault was prosecuted with great spirit, and the fort was taken after a violent engagement of one hour. The artillery was four 24, four 8, and 6 mortars. At day break the artillery were turned against the other fort, and upon firing the first round, an officer appeared with a flag, demanding a capitulation. The terms proposed to the French General being rejected, the island surrendered at discretion: 700 prisoners are taken, viz. 6 Colonels 8 Majors, 34 Captains, 75 Lieutenants, 35 Ensigns, 590 privates, 3 pair of colours, 122 pieces of cannon, and 16 mortars. The French lost 33 men killed, and 71 wounded. Admiral Byron is at St. Kitt's with his shattered fleet.

5 P. M. I have the pleasure to inform, that Count D'Estaing, with 40 sail of men of war, are just heaving in sight of St. Kitt's.

The Count D'Estaing has taken Grenada, after an obstinate siege. It is thought Tobago is also, ere this, in his possession, having worked Admiral Byron in a late smart action off Grenada, and disabled some of his ships so much, they were all obliged to bear away; some of them have gone into St. Kitt's, others drifted so far to leeward, were obliged to go to Jamaica to refit. The Count suffered little or no damage, and is now out on another expedition. It is expected Antigua and Barbadoes will be the next object, and as they never could have a more favourable opportunity, there is hardly a doubt but the other English islands will follow. This will put our affairs on a favourable footing, and we cannot but flatter ourselves will affect the full completion of all our wishes, in securing the independence of America.