Whatever may be thought of the propriety of this decision, its seriousness can be best understood from the report sent by Pigot to Howe.

"The rebels had advanced their batteries within fifteen hundred yards of the British works.

He was under no apprehensions from any of their attempts in front; but, should the French fleet come in, it would make an alarming change.
Troops might be landed and advanced in his rear; and in that case he could not answer for the consequences." Disregarding Sullivan's entreaties that he would remain, d'Estaing sailed next day for Boston, which he reached on August 28th.

On the 31st the indefatigable Howe came in sight; but the French had worked actively in the three days.
Forty-nine guns, 18 and 24-pounders, with six mortars, were already in position covering the anchorage; and "the French squadron, far from fearing an attack, desired it eagerly."[36] The withdrawal of the French fleet from Rhode Island was followed by that of the American troops from before Newport.
Howe had quitted New York the instant he heard of d'Estaing's reappearance off Rhode Island.

He took with him the same number of vessels as before,--thirteen of the line,--the _Monmouth_, 64, of Byron's squadron, having arrived and taken the place of the _Isis_, crippled in her late action.