D’Estaing’s expected surrender message was arrogant in tone, in effect both bypassing Governor Wright and derogating the Americans: “Sir: Count d’Estaing summons his Excellency General Prevost to surrender to the arms of the king of France. He apprises him that he will be personally responsible for all the events and misfortunes that may arise from a defense, which, by the superiority of the force which attacks him, both by sea and land, is rendered manifestly vain and of no effect.”

He went on to remind the general of the glorious achievements of the French in the Grenadas, and warned him of the same fate, especially if anything was done to destroy the city or British vessels in the harbor.

The British leaders huddled and decided to prolong this process as much as possible by waiting a few hours and then sending an evasive reply:

“Sir: I am just now honored with Your Excellency’s letter, containing a summons for me to surrender this town to the arms of His Majesty the king of France, which I had just delayed to answer, till I had shown it to the king’s civil governor. I hope Your Excellency will have a better opinion of me, and of British troops, than to think either will surrender on a general summons, without any specific terms. If you, sir, have anything to propose that may with honor be accepted by me, you can mention them, both with regard to civil and military, and I will then give my answer. In the meantime, I will promise, upon my honor, that nothing, with my consent or knowledge, shall be destroyed, in either this town or river.”

In d’Estaing’s response on the same day, he included these key words:

“Sir: You are sensible that it is the part of the besieged to propose such terms as they may desire; and you cannot doubt of the satisfaction I shall have in consenting to those which I can accept, consistent with my duty. I am informed that you continue entrenching yourself. It is a matter of very little importance to me; however, for form’s sake, I must desire that you will desist during our conferences together.”

He added a postscript: “I apprise Your Excellency that I have not been able to refuse the army of the United States uniting itself with that of the king.”

The British marveled at these last words, knowing full well that d’Estaing would have to rely heavily on the Americans during a final attack. Prevost’s reply was designed to gain further time, as Maitland was at this time crossing the river, under cover of dense fog and undetected by the French.