The trenches had already been opened twenty days, and the bombardment, terrible as it was for the American town, had not yet damaged the works of the English.

On the 9th of October, D'Estaing determined to deliver the assault.

Americans and French vied with each other in courage.

For a moment the flag of the Union floated upon the ramparts, some grenadiers made their way into the place, the admiral was wounded; meanwhile, the losses were great, and perseverance was evidently useless.

The assault was repulsed.