General Clinton had sent his trusted aide, Lieutenant Duncan Drummond, to England early in 1779 in order to argue Clinton's request to be recalled.

Drummond is unsuccessful in this: despite the intervention of Henry Clinton’s cousin, the Duke of Newcastle, the king has refused to even consider granting Clinton leave, claiming that Clinton is "the only man who might still save America".

William Eden had also interceded in an attempt to improve Clinton's situation, but political divisions in the government and the prospect of Spanish entry into the war mean that Clinton ends up with very little support.

Clinton has also complained about the lack of naval support being provided by Admiral James Gambier, with whom he also has a difficult relationship.

He eventually sends London a list of admirals with whom he thinks he can work; none are chosen, and Gambier is replaced temporarily by George Collier before his permanent replacement, Mariot Arbuthnot, arrives.