Crane, John, 1744-1805 to John Sullivan
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03232 Author/Creator: Crane, John, 1744-1805 Place Written: Newport, Rhode Island Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 August 1778 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 34 x 22 cm. Order a Copy
Expresses surprise at the news that "Count D'Estaing has abandoned us in the present Enterprise." At Sullivan's request gives his opinion on the situation, saying he feels the siege of Newport is not worth continuing without the French fleet, since he expects British reinforcements soon. Instead suggests an immediate attack, for which he details his strategy. Opposes a retreat but in case "the General Council be of a different opinion" he lays out a plan for retreat as well. General Sullivan posed this question to a number of officers. In GLC04845 he writes William Whipple and asks his opinion on whether the Americans should continue the siege, attack immediately, or retreat. Also asks Whipple to explain his answer, as Crane has.
The French and Americans had planed to mount a joint assault on the British at Newport. When many of the French ships were damaged in a storm their commanded Vice Admiral d'Estaing was forced to move his fleet to Boston for repairs, taking his 4,000 French troops with him. Sullivan was furious at d'Estaing, and was forced to quickly abandon the siege against his desires.
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