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The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
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Copy of a letter from Major General Prevost in Savannah, Georgia, dated September 9, 1779, to Vice Admiral Byron, reporting the French fleet under Count d'Estaing anchored in the harbor with 25 ships of the line, several disabled, and transports; British forces preparing defenses amid concerns of cooperation with rebels.
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Copy of a letter from Major General Prevost, to the Honourable Vice Admiral Byron, dated Savannah, in Georgia, September 9, 1779.
SIR,
As it may be of consequence to his Majesty's service to have early intelligence of the motions of the French fleet, I think it my duty, by this express, to acquaint you, that the Count D'Estaing is now at anchor, with 25 sail of the line, or two deckers, in a line across this bay, or entrance of the harbour; he has also seven or eight frigates. What his further views or designs may be, I cannot take upon me to say, though if he intends anything against us, he must do it speedily, as this is not a coast to remain long on, in his situation, at this season of the year.
Several of his ships appear disabled. It is not but his serious views are to the northward, as Rhode Island, or New York, but I am sure.
He is also accompanied by some transports, or merchant vessels, but as his appearance here was probably as unexpected to the rebels of Carolina, as it was to us, I do not think they are as yet in readiness to make a formidable co-operation with the Count. I cannot learn that there was any extraordinary stir among them; no doubt, all the force they can now muster, will be in motion against us, but my hopes are, that he cannot stay long enough on the coast to give any effectual countenance or support to them.
We are however using every endeavour to put this place in the best posture of defence, that time and our circumstances will admit of. We are not afraid of any one of them, but both together may be too many for us, if they should be able to effect a junction, and the French land to co-operate is anything so considerable.
We are ourselves at present (unfortunately as matters appear) somewhat disjointed, having a small corps at Beaufort, in Carolina, I hope they will get through this day, the passage is still unoccupied by the French.
On our return from Charleston, it was reckoned a most eligible measure to keep a hold of Carolina, Beaufort in particular, and indeed nothing but a superior force at sea against us, would make the measure cease to be an advantageous one in every view, both in regard to the defence of this province, and all his operations against Carolina. I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
PREVOST.
Hon. Vice Admiral BYRON.
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Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Savannah, In Georgia
Event Date
September 9, 1779
Key Persons
Outcome
several of his ships appear disabled.
Event Details
Major General Prevost reports that Count D'Estaing's French fleet is anchored in the bay with 25 sail of the line or two deckers and seven or eight frigates, accompanied by transports; British forces are preparing defenses in Savannah, concerned about potential cooperation with Carolina rebels; a small corps is at Beaufort, and the passage remains unoccupied by the French.