Admiral Arbuthnot, with the squadron, soon after passed Fort Moultrie with trifling loss, and anchored just without the range of shot from the town, which completed its investment towards the sea, though a communication was unavoidably open between the Garrison and the Country, by means of Cooper's River to the North-east. This was soon cut off by a large detachment under Colonel Webster, which General Clinton was enabled to spare, from his access to the sea being kept up by the ships of war. A very brilliant affair took place between the advanced guard of that force and a body of Americans, at Monk's Corner, which reflected much honour upon Colonel Tarleton and Major Fergusson, the former of whom, soon after, very justly secured permanent fame, by beating a Rebel Corps of Cavalry upon the banks of the Santee. Early in May, the besiegers having completed their third parallel, Captain Hudson, of the Navy, was landed with 200 Seamen and Marines on Sullivan's Island, in order to have stormed the important post of Fort Moultrie, at the same time the ships were to attack by sea. The garrison surrendered to that party on the 6th of May. This had a strong effect upon our subsequent operations, as the town fell by capitulation on the 12th. Very high commendations were bestowed upon Generals Earl Cornwallis, Leslie, and Paterson; Lieut. Colonels Webster and Tarleton, and Major Moncrieffe, also had their share of applause in Sir Henry Clinton's detail. The services of Captain Elphinstone, now Lord Keith, were also very signal. Much good was anticipated from this happy event, which was not, however, eventually realized. The gallant exertions of Lord Cornwallis in the subsequent progress of the campaign, upon a minute retrospect, must rank him as a great and a zealous Officer. Colonel Tarleton also stands high upon its annals, which will be recognized in terms of eulogium by posterity. Admiral Rodney, who had proceeded to the West Indies from Gibraltar, found himself opposed to a superior force of the enemy. Confiding in the long-tried valour of a British Fleet, he was determined, however, to dispute the palm with them. Monsieur Guichen, previous to his arrival, had paraded before St. Lucia, seemingly with a view of attempting something; but Rear-Admiral Hyde Parker and General Vaughan had evidently made such judicious dispositions, as deterred him from even a partial trial of force. Sir George Rodney soon returned the visit, and offered battle, which was not accepted. Leaving some coppered frigates to watch their motions, he returned to Gros Islet Bay. In the night of the 15th of April, De Guichen put to sea, and was quickly followed, when a general chace ensued. At the close of day on the 16th, the English formed into line, and a series of able manœuvring on both sides took place next morning. At eleven the conflict began, which ended after four, when the enemy bore away. The English Fleet, obliged to repair its damages, could not pursue.