The ships of war passed the British batteries and entered the harbour, without receiving or doing any considerable damage.
The militia not arriving precisely at the time they were expected, General Sullivan could not hazard the movement which had been concerted, and stated to the Count the necessity of postponing it till the next day.

Meanwhile, the preparations for the descent being perceived, General Pigot drew the troops which had been stationed on the north end of the island into the lines at Newport.
[Sidenote: August 9.] On discovering this circumstance the next morning, Sullivan determined to avail himself of it, and to take immediate possession of the works which had been abandoned.

The whole army crossed the east passage, and landed on the north end of Rhode Island.

This movement gave great offence to the Admiral, who resented the indelicacy supposed to have been committed by Sullivan in landing before the French, and without consulting him.
Unfortunately, some difficulties, on subjects of mere punctilio, had previously arisen.

The Count D'Estaing was a land as well as sea officer; and held the high rank of lieutenant general in the service of France.