If those works fell, the British squadron must abandon its position and put to sea, where d'Estaing's much superior fleet would be in waiting.

On the other hand, if the squadron were crushed at its anchors, the troops were isolated and must ultimately capitulate.

Therefore La Vigie and the squadron were the two keys to the situation, and the loss of either would be decisive.
By the evening of the 14th the British held the shore line from La Vigie to the southern point of the Cul de Sac, as well as Morne Fortune (Fort Charlotte), the capital of the island.

The feeble French garrison retired to the interior, leaving its guns unspiked, and its ammunition and stores untouched,--another instance of the danger of works turning to one's own disadvantage.

It was Barrington's purpose now to remove the transports to the Carenage, as a more commodious harbour, probably also better defended; but he was prevented by the arrival of d'Estaing that afternoon.