The British planned to reinforce Cornwallis during the siege at Yorktown by sea.

Their strategy included dispatching reinforcements and supplies from New York through naval routes to aid his struggling forces. However, the French fleet successfully obstructed these attempts, stopping British ships from reaching Cornwallis. This naval blockade was vital, as it restricted the British's capacity to resupply and bolster their troops. The inability to secure these reinforcements played a significant role in Cornwallis's eventual surrender on October 19, 1781. This scenario underscored the critical role of naval power in the American Revolutionary War and its influence on the results of key battles.