The British waited for reinforcements, and Sullivan had at length determined to retire from the island.
The Commander-in-chief had observed some movements among the British transports indicating the embarkation of troops, and had suggested to Sullivan the necessity of securing his retreat.

A fleet of transports soon put to sea with a large body of troops, of which immediate notice was given to Sullivan in a letter recommending his retreat to the continent.

This reinforcement, which consisted of four thousand men, commanded by Sir Henry Clinton in person, was delayed by adverse winds until the letter of General Washington was received, and the resolution to evacuate the island was taken.

The whole army passed over to the continent unobserved by the enemy, and disembarked about Tiverton by two in the morning.
[Sidenote: Sullivan retreats with his army to the continent.] Never was retreat more fortunate.

Sir Henry Clinton arrived the next day; and the loss of the American army would have been inevitable.
[Sidenote: Sullivan, in one of his general orders, makes use of expressions which offend the count.] The complete success of this expedition had been confidently anticipated throughout America; and the most brilliant results had been expected from the capture of so important a part of the British army as the garrison of Newport.