The British vessel approached near enough to recognise them as French.

They were d'Estaing's squadron, crippled by a very heavy gale, in which Howe's force had also suffered, though to a less extent.

Being alone, and ignorant of existing conditions, Byron thought it inexpedient to continue on for either New York or Narragansett Bay.

The wind being southerly, he steered for Halifax, which he reached August 26th.

Some of his ships also entered there.
A very few had already succeeded in joining Howe in New York, being fortunate enough to escape the enemy.
So far as help from England went, Lord Howe would have been crushed long before this.