<P> The Battle of Rhode Island ( also known as the Battle of Quaker Hill and the Battle of Newport ) took place on August 29 , 1778 . Continental Army and militia forces under the command of General John Sullivan had been besieging the British forces in Newport , Rhode Island , which is situated on Aquidneck Island , but they had finally abandoned their siege and were withdrawing to the northern part of the island . The British forces then sortied , supported by recently arrived Royal Navy ships , and they attacked the retreating Americans . The battle ended inconclusively , but the Continental forces withdrew to the mainland and left Aquidneck Island in British hands . </P>
<P> The Battle of Rhode Island ( also known as the Battle of Quaker Hill and the Battle of Newport ) took place on August 29 , 1778 . Continental Army and militia forces under the command of General John Sullivan had been besieging the British forces in Newport , Rhode Island , which is situated on Aquidneck Island , but they had finally abandoned their siege and were withdrawing to the northern part of the island . The British forces then sortied , supported by recently arrived Royal Navy ships , and they attacked the retreating Americans . The battle ended inconclusively , but the Continental forces withdrew to the mainland and left Aquidneck Island in British hands . </P>
why did the battle of rhode island happen
why did the battle of rhode island happen
August 29 , 1778
August 29 , 1778