However, scouts sent to make a reconnaissance reported that both positions had been abandoned. Under the cover the darkness, the States' troops had moved in silence towards Doel and were boarding their boats to cross the canal that separated them from the island, though the low tide and contrary winds prevented them from escaping. They were soon spotted, and the Cantelmo, Lede and Fuenclara, having taken control of the abandoned forts, dispatched their battalions and squadrons forward to attack the retreating Dutch soldiers from three sides.
This passage describes a military engagement where American forces attempted to escape to the island but were intercepted by the enemy. The Cantelmo, Lede, and Fuenclara seized control of abandoned forts and launched attacks on the retreating Dutch soldiers.