were Germans. It was well for the Americans that
they made off when they did, for on the 1st of
September Sir Henry Clinton arrived in Newport harbor
with a fleet and reinforcements.
For more than a year longer the British and Germans remained on Rhode Island, useless and inactive. At last, in October, 1779, a fleet was again seen in the offing, but, as it came along the Sound, it was recognized as friendly. It turned out to be composed of transports, come to take away the garrison. Immediately the baggage was put on board, the store of fuel given away. The sad spectacle of Tory families flying from their native land was repeated. There were more who wished to go than could be taken in the ships, and some were forced to stay and face the wrath of their neighbors.
Cordial feelings had grown up in the course of three years between the Hessians and the inhabitants of Newport. General Prescott feared that some of his soldiers might wish to stay behind, and gave orders that on the day when the troops were to embark all the houses should be closed and no one, especially no woman, should be seen at a window. With bands playing and flying colors the regiments marched through the empty streets and took their places in the boats which carried them to the ships. The hostile occupation of Rhode Island was ended.[1]
- ↑ For the occupation of Rhode Island, cf. Bancroft, vol. ix. pp. 200, 357, 358; vol. x. p. 146 et seq.; Eelking's “Hülfstruppen,” vol.i. p. 105 et seq.; vol. ii. pp. 14, 15, 30 et seq.; Ewald's “Belehrungen,” vol. ii. p. 249 et seq.; MS. journal of the Regiment von Huyn.
