The resolution permitting him to resign was, however, accompanied with one thanking him for his past services.
Although these great exertions to terminate Indian hostility did not afford complete security to the western frontiers, they were attended with considerable advantages.

The savages, though not subdued, were intimidated; and their incursions became less formidable, as well as less frequent.
The summer of 1779 passed away without furnishing any circumstance in America which could be supposed to have a material influence on the issue of the war.

In Europe, however, an event took place which had been long anxiously expected, and was believed to be of decisive importance.

Spain at length determined to make one common cause with France against Great Britain.

It was supposed that the two powers would be able to obtain a complete ascendency at sea; and that their combined fleets would maintain a superiority on the American coast, as well as in Europe.
From the first determination of France to take part in the war, it appears to have been the earnest wish of the cabinet of Versailles to engage Spain likewise in the contest.
Her resentments against England, her solicitude to diminish the naval strength of that nation, and her wish to recover Jamaica, Gibraltar, and the Floridas, urged her to seize the fair occasion now offered of dismembering the British empire, and accomplishing these favourite objects.