The difficulty and distance of movements by land gave such an advantage to sea power that Lafayette urged the French government further to increase the fleet; but it was still naturally and properly attentive to its own immediate interests in the Antilles.

It was not yet time to deliver America.
Rodney, having escaped the great hurricane of October, 1780, by his absence, returned to the West Indies later in the year, and soon after heard of the war between England and Holland; which, proceeding from causes which will be mentioned later, was declared December 20, 1780.
The admiral at once seized the Dutch islands of St.Eustatius and St.
Martin, besides numerous merchant-ships, with property amounting in all to fifteen million dollars.

These islands, while still neutral, had played a role similar to that of Nassau during the American Civil War, and had become a great depot of contraband goods, immense quantities of which now fell into the English hands.
The year 1780 had been gloomy for the cause of the United States.

The battle of Camden had seemed to settle the English yoke on South Carolina, and the enemy formed high hopes of controlling both North Carolina and Virginia.

The treason of Arnold following had increased the depression, which was but partially relieved by the victory at King's Mountain.