Then there was sickness in the French army.

Then the British menaced Newport, and rapid preparations had to be made to meet that danger.

Then it came out that De Rochambeau was ordered to await the arrival of the second division of the army, with more ships; and after due waiting, it was discovered that the aforesaid second division, with their ships, were securely blockaded by the English fleet at Brest.

On our side it was no better; indeed, it was rather worse.
There was lack of arms and powder.

The drafts were made with difficulty, and the new levies came in slowly.