11th. The French opened two other batteries on the left of the parallel, each consisting of 3 Twenty four pounders. These were also employed in demolishing the Ambrazures of the enemys Works & advancd Redoubts.
Two Gentlemen—a Major Granchien & Captn. D’Avilion being sent by Admiral de Grasse to reconnoiter the Enemys Water defences, & state of the River at and near York, seemed favourably disposed to adopt the measure which had been strongly urged of bringing Ships above the Town & made representations accordingly to the Count de Grasse.1
1. Guillaume Jacques Constant de Liberge de Granchain (1744–1805) had served as major général de l’escadre in the fleet, under the command of Admiral de Ternay, which brought Rochambeau to America. While at Newport he had been influential in planning French strategy. The other officer, a M. de la Villeon (see GW to de Grasse, 11 Oct. 1781, DLC:GW), is listed as a lieutenant de vaisseau on board de Grasse’s flagship, the Ville de Paris (, 109).