September 5, 1781 - Battle of the Capes

On this date the British squadron under Admiral Thomas Graves, sent to the relief of Lord Cornwallis, arrived at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. They found that Admiral de Grasse had beat them there, and had positioned his twenty-four ships of the line, carrying 1700 cannon and cleared for action, across the mouth of the bay.

The battle lasted all day, and resulted in heavy English losses. The next two days were spent in repairs and maneuvering for both fleets. Finally, they re-engaged on September 8, but seeing the peril to his fleet, Admiral Graves ordered them to run before the wind. On the evening of the 9th, the British fleet had disappeared.

Admiral de Grasse ordered the fleet back into the Chesapeake, as they prepared to deliver artillery needed for the upcoming siege.