Battle+of+Newport

= = =The Battle of Newport=

The Battle of Newport, also known as the Battle of Rhode Island, took place on August 29, 1778 at [|Aquidneck Island]. [|John Sullivan], major general of the [|Continental Army] and the [|French Naval Fleet] were posted at Aquidneck Island in order to attempt to capture the British Fort at [|Newport.] This was the first battle in which [|France was an official ally of the Americans], against [|Great Britain].

Sullivan's plan was to have the American troops approach the fort by land, while the French would go around and cut off the British troops. Sadly, before the battle, the French Navy was scattered due to unfavorable weather, and did not arrive when Sullivan had planned. On August 11th the Americans attacked without the aid of the French and the Continental Army was forced back to [|Boston.] [|Comte d'Estaing], a french leader, sailed his ships to Boston in order to preserve his troops.

The result of the battle was inconclusive, although after the continental army withdrew to the mainland, Aquidneck Island was left in British hands. Both armies claimed to have won the war because the British managed to defend from the Americans, but the Americans later won some of the land back. In any case, the British had a strategic advantage because the Americans were forced to Boston and [|Tiverton] on the night of August 31.



A Reenactment of The Battle of Newport media type="youtube" key="7wsmZ6XC3WQ" height="315" width="560"

=Jean Baptiste Charles Henri Hector, Comte d'Estaing=

Jean Baptiste Charles Henri Hector, Comte d'Estaing was a French general and [|admiral], who was born on 24 November 1729. Jean was a decedent of a family who was dedicated to the [|French crown.] Many relatives of his were in the [|French Military.] After allying with the Continental Army, Comte d'Estaing and American generals planned an attack on Newport, Rhode Island. After many of his ships were damaged due to foul weather, Comte d'Estaing sailed to Boston. When he returned to France, he was criticized by many of his followers. He was charged with being a reactionary and [|sentenced to be executed.] He was [|guillotined] on 28 April 1794.



=John Sullivan=

Born on February 17, 1740, John Sullivan was the descendant of [|Irish immigrants.] Sullivan [|studied law] and became a lawyer in [|New Hampshire.] He eventually joined the Continental Army and was promoted to [|major general.] In 1778, John Sullivan was posted at Rhode Island in order to work with the newly allied French Navy in order to assault the British fort at Newport. The result of the war was inconclusive, but at home, John Sullivan became a hero. He soon became a delegate in the Continental Congress and a [|United States federal judge.] John Sullivan was a key figure in the Revolutionary War.



The sound of a "Brown Bess" Musket being fired.