After a most active campaign to the southward, during the progress of which Earl Cornwallis appeared in his wonted attitudes of a great and zealous Officer, the affairs of America were much on the decline, and it was not from their own energies alone they could now hope for that independence which had been their sanguine avowal, and the summit of all their aims. Every military resource began to fail in the summer of 1781, and it was only by one bold effort, or an instantaneous appeal for foreign aid, that their desponding troops could be longer kept together, or their expiring prospects be rekindled. At this awful period the genius of Washington was exerted as a Politician as well as a General. Mons. Barras had arrived at Rhode Island to assume the command of the French squadron there, whither the Rebel Chief hastened to impart the secrets of his anxious heart. In a conference with General Rochambeau a joint attack upon New York was designed; for which future purpose, Washington in a formal demand urged the immediate completion of every battalion in his Army, as well as a strong levy from New England. The bearer of these dispatches, with all his papers, fell into the hands of the British, under Sir H. Clinton, who considered it his duty to prepare against the meditated blow. Orders were accordingly transmitted to Earl Cornwallis to detach from his Army in Virginia, when mutual discussions betwixt those distinguished Commanders ensued, upon which I feel no authority to enlarge, that finally limited his Lordship to the defence of York Town and Gloucester, in the River Chesapeak, upon the 22d of August. The French and American Armies united at the close of June, but they could attempt nothing against the formidable position occupied by General Clinton, at Kingsbridge, or could they strike at any other quarter without the support of a superior fleet. After a tedious suspence, news reached them of the approach of Admiral De Grasse, who intimated his intention of entering the Chesapeak. After having indicated views upon New York, the combined force suddenly struck across the Jerseys, in order to co-operate and level all their power against the defenceless posts of York Town and Gloucester. Sir Samuel Hood reached Sandy Hook on the 28th of August, when the command devolving upon Rear Admiral Greaves, he put to sea on the 31st with 19 sail of the line, the day after De Grasse had anchored in the Chesapeak with 28. The French Admiral immediately commenced the blockade of York River, having detached four of these to carry on different services in James River, and with the rest bringing up in Lynn-haven-bay.