There was, indeed, a significant
distinction drawn at this time between parties in America, which exists
to this day: the moderates were called the English party, and the
ultra-revolutionists, the French party. But it was soon found that even
the French party could not always agree in the plans and schemes of the
French ambassador and his government, and that, therefore, the alliance,
though solemnly ratified by treaty, was not cemented by reciprocal
affection.
MOVEMENTS OF THE BRITISH AND FRENCH FLEETS.
After refitting his ships Lord Howe went to Boston, with design to
attack the French admiral in that water. He found the anchorage,
however, so effectually protected by batteries, that he was compelled to
forego this design, and return to New York. Soon after he received leave
of absence, and he resigned the command of his squadron to Rear-admiral
Gambier. Howe then proceeded to Rhode Island, where he met with
Vice-admiral Byron, to whom he gave up the command of the American
station as commander-in-chief, and then set sail for England. After his
departure, Byron, with a part of his force, went back to Boston to look
after the French; but his ships were driven off the coast by a violent
hurricane, and he was obliged to seek a port in order to refit. While
thus situated the French admiral put out to sea, in order to undertake
operations for conquests in the West India Islands. On the same day,
however, that he stole out of the harbour of Boston, Commodore Hotham
sailed from Sandy Hook to escort Major-general Grant, with 5000 men, to
protect these islands, and he joined Admiral Barrington at Barbadoes, on
the 10th of December.
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