The substantial aid of French troops was the most cheerful spot in the situation.

Yet even that had a checkered light, the second division of the intended help being blocked in Brest by the English fleet; while the final failure of De Guichen to appear, and Rodney coming in his stead, made the hopes of the campaign fruitless.
A period of vehement and decisive action was, however, at hand.

At the end of March, 1781, the Comte de Grasse sailed from Brest with twenty-six ships-of-the-line and a large convoy.

When off the Azores, five ships parted company for the East Indies, under Suffren, of whom more will be heard later on.

De Grasse came in sight of Martinique on the 28th of April.