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British Evacuate Newport, R. I.

From Diary of the American Revolution, Vol II.  Compiled by Frank Moore and published in 1859.

October 26.—Last evening the invincible troops of Britain, having evacuated Newport, in Rhode Island, embarked on board the transports which lay ready to receive them; and soon after the whole fleet sailed, it is said, to New York, to assist in defending that last asylum of British tyranny in the thirteen United States. The American troops took possession of the town this morning. It being evident that Sir Henry Clinton ordered that motion, it will not be in the power of his rivals to rob him of the title of Moonshine General, to which his celebrated retreat from Philadelphia through the Jerseys, has already given him the fairest pretensions.

It is reported that several officers entreated their general to delay the evacuation till to-day, that the epoch of their King’s accession to the throne might not be disgraced by the evacuation of one of his most important posts in America. But old Silver Pipe, desirous as he was to gratify their sensibility, thought that his situation could not excuse such condescension were he ever reduced to justify it before a court-martial.

The enemy have left at Rhode Island a large quantity of forage and fuel, with a number of horses, &c. The barracks at Brenton’s Point (where they embarked) are burnt; but the others, with some works in and near the town, are left in good order.1

 

1 New Hampshire Gazette, November 9.