The American Revolution and Weather

[donsutherland1]

As today is July 4 and the day is filled with history, now is a good time to see if one remembers a notable meteorological event that took place during the American Revolution.

On August 16, 1778, General George Washington a letter to the Continental Congress expressing concerns about possible difficulties pertaining to the military campaign in Rhode Island. Excerpts follow:

Sir:

Since I had the honor of addressing you to day by Capt. Riley, I received a Letter from General Sullivan, a copy of which you have inclosed. From this it appears the Count D'Estaing had not returned with his Squadron on the 13th Inst. and there is reason to fear from the Violence of the Weather ever since, that he has not yet got in. This accident has much deranged our views, and I shall be happy if it does not totally defeat the Enterprise against Rhode Island. I feel much for the Count. He has been peculiarly unfortunate in the combination of several untoward circumstances to frustrate his plans...

<img src="http://memory.loc.gov/mss/mgw/mgw3a/003/402403.gif">

To what was General Washington referring when he mentioned "the Violence of the Weather?"

[GalvestonDuck]

Well, I don't actually "remember" it because I wasn't there. But I recall (thanks in part to a Patty Duke movie where she played Martha Washington) that there was a hurricane that struck near Narragansett bay, where the French Navy was providing coastal support of the US troops. The Continental Army had forced the Brits to retreat on land and the French were battling the British Navy at sea. But the hurricane disrupted the French fleet's position and the British were able to hold Fort Barton.

[Stephanie]

I did not know that about the hurricane!

Great history lessons!

[donsutherland1]

Absolutely correct, GalvestonDuck.

That hurricane that affected the eastern Seaboard from the South Carolina to New England on August 12-3, 1778 became known as the "Ordering of Providence Hurricane."