As soon as the French ships hauled off to the southward, lookout vessels followed them, and preparations continued (notably of fireships) for pursuit.

The last ship that joined from England crossed the bar at New York on the 30th of July.

On the 1st of August the fleet was ready for sea, with four fire-ships.

The accident of the wind delayed his next movements; but, as has been seen, he came up only one day after the entrance of the enemy into Newport, which his inferior force could not have prevented.

But the object of the enemy, which he could not oppose, was frustrated by his presence.