February to August 1778
The French alliance, Monmouth and Newport
On 6 February 1778 France signs a treaty of alliance with the United States, and on 17 March Britain declares war on France. Henry Clinton replaces Howe and evacuates Philadelphia on 18 June. He marches across New Jersey towards Sandy Hook, where the navy will carry his army to New York.
Washington catches the rear guard at Monmouth Court House on 28 June, in heat above 32 °C. The battle ends in a draw, and Clinton reaches New York.
Washington Rallying the Troops at Monmouth, 28 June 1778, painting by Emanuel Leutze, 1857Wikimedia Commons, Emanuel Leutze, Public domain (Washington Rallying the Troops at Monmouth, 1857, Leutze.jpg)
The legendary Molly Pitcher at Monmouth, Currier and Ives print, 1876Wikimedia Commons, Currier & Ives, Public domain (The Heroine on Monmouth. Molly Pitcher ... June 28, 1778 LCCN2006691580.jpg)
A French fleet under d’Estaing arrives off Rhode Island at the end of July. In August the allies besiege Newport, held by the British since December 1776. A storm scatters the fleets, d’Estaing withdraws to Boston for repairs, and the American troops pull back after the Battle of Rhode Island on 29 August. The British leave Newport in October 1779 and take the garrison to New York.
The French squadron entering Narragansett Bay off Newport, 1778, drawing by Pierre OzanneWikimedia Commons, Pierre Ozanne, Public domain (Entree de l escadre francaise en baie de Newport 1778 Ozanne.jpg)
Sources
- Robert Middlekauff, The Glorious Cause (2005).
- John Ferling, Almost a Miracle (2007).
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