Manuscripts and Special Collections
Ne C 2292 : Letter from Sir Henry Clinton, to H.F.C. Pelham-Clinton, 2nd Duke of Newcastle under Lyne; 17, 20 & 23 Sep. 1781
Sep[tembe]r 23d.
We are this day told that the French Fleet
has not been joined by Barras, and that it
already consists of 28 sail of the line.
I hope 'tis a rebel forgery, as if [illegible word] and Barras
should join they will be 35 to 19. Instead of
a fleet under S[ir] G. Rodney which we were
told to expect, in case La Grasse came here
"that our operations in Chesapeak might not
be interrupted" only 14 sail came with [S]ir S[amuel]
Hood, one of which was destroy'd at sea (being
found unfit for service) and they could scarcely
[illegible word] in to this port. It is thus that operations
depending upon a naval superiority are to be
supported, but this is not a time for vain
lamentation. I hope Ad[mira]l Digby will soon come,
that our present fleet will be repaired soon,
and that we shall be able to face that of
the Enemy whose numbers I do not think so
high as reported for all the Navy in the action
thought Barras had joined, the 5th a lucky
exertion may gain us the Entry of the Chesapeak,
put me ashore and I may succeed in forming
a junction. I beg my best respects to
Lord John & have the honor to be my Lord
your Graces most affectionate
hu[m]ble s[ervan]t
H. Clinton
