BATTLE // August 29, 1778
Battle of Rhode Island
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Significance
The Battle of Rhode Island on August 29, 1778 concluded an American siege of Newport that ultimately failed to dislodge British forces from Aquidneck Island. Continental and militia forces under Major-General John Sullivan had been pressing the siege when circumstances compelled a withdrawal to the island's northern end. British forces at Newport sortied in support of recently arrived Royal Navy ships and pressed the retreating Americans. Although the engagement ended inconclusively in terms of battlefield outcome, the operational consequence was clear: Continental forces withdrew to the mainland, leaving Aquidneck Island and Newport firmly in British hands. The episode illustrated the difficulties of combined Franco-American operations during this early phase of the French alliance, as the failure to coordinate naval and land pressure allowed the British garrison to hold a strategically significant port.
Tactics
Continental and militia forces under Sullivan had been conducting siege operations against the British garrison at Newport on Aquidneck Island. When the Americans abandoned the siege and began withdrawing northward along the island, the British garrison sortied and attacked the retreating force, supported by Royal Navy ships that had recently arrived. The Continental forces conducted a fighting withdrawal before crossing to the mainland.
Forces & casualties
Troop strength
- Great Britain6,700medium
- United States10,100medium
United States fielded a 1.5 : 1 numerical advantage
Casualties
- Royaume de Grande-Bretagne137medium
- États-Unis210medium
Commanders (8)
Great Britain
Francis Smithmajor-general
United States
John Sullivanmajor general
Nathanael Greenemajor general
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6 sibling battles · 6 factions