August 9th, 1778.    

  • Red Triangle: Americans learn the British have left northern Aquidneck Island known as Rhode Island.  Sullivan orders his troops to cross over to Portsmouth at Howland Ferry.   
  • Brown Square: At 4 PM Lafayette goes onboard D’Estaing’s ship Languedoc out to sea by Newport. The ship is out to sea by Newport.   The French decide to do battle with the British fleet that has appeared outside Newport.  They are also unhappy that the Americans have moved onto Aquidneck Island before them.

August 10 – 13th, 1778 

Red Diamond: Butts Hill area

August 10th, Lafayette and the Americans are camped around Butts Hill fortifications in Portsmouth.

August 11th, the Americans are still by Butts Hill with Lafayette as Major General of the Day.  American troops parade at 4 PM.  Lafayette’s  troops paraded on the left and Greene’s troops on the right.  A storm like a hurricane hits the island.

August 12th and 13th,  the Storm is at its most fierce.  Soldiers have no tents or shelter.  Lafayette and Col. Wade inspect the water-logged American camp around Butts Hill. 

British and French ships are returning damaged by the storm.

Languedoc returning without masts from Storm and Battle with British fleet.

Ozanne, Pierre, Artist. Le vaisseau le Languedoc dématé par le coup de vent dans le nuit du 12′ attaqué par un vaisseau de guerre Anglois l’après midy du 13 Aoust. [194] Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/2004670063/>.