Database: The Battle of Chesapeake

As readers of this paper have learned, a French fleet under Adm. de Grasse had recently sailed from the Caribbean to blockade the English force under Gen. Cornwallis at Yorktown. On Wednesday last, Sept. 5, a British fleet arrived numbering some 19 ships of the line. The French fleet, said to number over twenty, promptly sailed out to engage the British.

This writer observed from a precipice as the two fleets engaged in the distance. It was clear that the French were having difficulties maintaining battle order. Their center lagged behind providing a clear opportunity to the British to attack and disrupt them. But the British Admiral, said to be Adm. Graves, made no such attempt. A gentlemen [sic] nearby made use of a spyglass and exclaimed that the British ships were allowing the French to close line and establish proper formation. Indeed, we all marveled at this. Instead the British rear lagged behind in turn and never engaged on this day.

The two fleets sailed east, in line against one another, this giving advantage to the French, who could open their hatches and fire from both gun-decks. The English could not, as the pitched waves would swamp them if their lower-gun deck hatches came open, and thus their 32-pounders could not be brought to action.

The British took the greater damage, but the battle appeared a stand-off. However, this also favoured the French, as their blockade remained intact. This very morning, the French have reinforcements in the person of Adm. de Barras with 7 additional ships of the line. Reports are that Adm. Graves has set sail and is most probably returning to New York.

The blockade is thus maintained as infantry and artillery commanded by Gens. Washington and Rochambeau look to besiege Cornwallis. zh:数据库：切萨皮克湾海战（报纸）