British attempt to capture Cape of Good Hope, South Africa failed according to the Dutch newspaper Hollandsche historische courant dated 6 November 1781

An item dated London England 30th October referred to letters received from an officer serving on board of the ships belonging to the squadron commanded by commodore Johnstone reporting the capture of Dutch East Indiamen. Johnstone sent afterwards 2 ships of the line, 1-50 gun ship and 1 frigate and all of the armed transports with the troops on board together with the East Indiamen towards the East Indies. With the remaining ships of his squadron arrived he on 13 August at the island Sty. Helena. The intention was to return after a stay of some days to return with the prizes. The item continued with the remark that now almost certain was that the Dutch East Indiamen captured in the Saldanha Bay were unloaded and mainly unrigged and less valued than before was believed. The actual target of the expedition was to capture Cape of Good Hope. While this failed, were the huge expenses for fitting out the squadron not paid back with just some private persons profited.