 Cornwallis , in the absence of instructions from Clinton , sought to execute the orders Clinton had given Phillips . These were to establish a naval station and to engage in raids against economic and military targets , and did not include any organized scheme of offense . Sending General Arnold , who complained of gout , back to New York , he set out in pursuit of the marquis on May 27 . He also sent a letter to Clinton , outlining his preference for Yorktown over Portsmouth as the site of a naval station . 
