I have learned that Governor Rutledge has Appealed to French Vice Admiral d’Estaing and his fleet to attack Savannah, stating that the City is defended by only 1,000 British troops, who would probably surrender if faced with a Superior force. However, d’Estaing has been ordered to Concentrate his efforts in the West Indies, and the coming winter and the needs of his ships and men Require that he soon return to France for Reconditioning and Replenishment. I believe we have little to fear from the French.

Respectfully submitted by the Governor’s agent

It was two hours before daybreak on the fourth of September, and Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Brown was asleep on a narrow bed in the officers’ quarters, which was a two-story house in the center of Savannah. He had been up until almost midnight, meeting with Sergeant Baker and three of his Ranger leaders. One of them was Chief Sunoma, his most trusted Creek warrior, an older man of forty. The Rangers were assigned the boring and fruitless responsibility of surveillance along the sea approaches to the city. He was instantly wakened by an almost inaudible creak of a floorboard, saw Baker approaching, and asked, “What is it?”

“The French fleet arrived off Tybee Island just after dark last night and have already sent a few men ashore. Our small contingent abandoned their post and moved back toward the city. We’ve only sighted eight warships, including one frigate, but we all know that d’Estaing has a very large naval force under his command, with a number of troopships carrying ground forces.”

“Well, d’Estaing must now have changed his mind. He’s a proud man, looking for glory. General Lincoln will surely move down on us from Charles Town, and if they are able to join forces and mount a sustained siege, it is unlikely that we can defend the city. We’ll have to double our watch all the way down to Ossabaw Sound, to make sure where the French will be landing their main forces. Bring your reports directly to me.”

Within a few minutes Brown had informed General Prevost of the French landfall and was pleased by the calm and respectful reaction from a man who had always despised him and derided the Florida Rangers. He presumed it was because of Governor Wright’s moderating influence.

Prevost said, “There is still a possibility that this is a feint, and that d’Estaing intends to proceed northward to assist George Washington in Virginia or New Jersey. However, we’ll have to be prepared, first for a well-planned siege and then a concerted attack from the French and Continentals. What do you think will be their next move along the coast?”

Brown was surprised and again pleased to receive a question of this importance.