700 [Assembly 



A large and perfectly equipped British army had concentrated 

 at St. Johns, and menaced the colonies with a formidable inva- 

 sion. Its advance depended upon the naval preponderance 

 on the lake. To secure that result, each p^ty exerted the 

 most animated activity. Six vessels of a large class, which 

 had been built in England, were taken apart, transported to 

 St. Johns, and there, in the summer of 1776. reconstructed. 

 Boats of various dimensions were built at that place with the 

 utmost celerity, but with all these vigorous efforts of the British 

 commander, the fleet consisting ot thirty-one vessels, ranging in 

 their armament from one to eighteen guns, was not prepared to 

 advance into the lake until the ensuing 1st of October. 



This formidable fleet was navigated by seven hundred veteran 

 seamen, and armed in addition by an efficient corps of artillery. 



Congress had been equally alert and energetic, but with means 

 totally inadequate to the magnitude of the issue. The timber 

 required for the construction of a fleet was yet standing in the 

 forest, and was to be cut, prepared, and conveyed by human labor 

 to the shipyards at Ticonderoga and Crown Point. The material 

 for its equipment must be transported a long distance over roads, 

 nearly impracticable. The ship carpenters, who must construct 

 the vessels, are occupied by urgent duties in the yards upon the 

 sea coast. 



Amid all these adverse circumstances, the indomitable energies 

 of Arnold formed and equipped a squadron of fifteen vessels^ 

 bearing an aggregate battery of fifty-five guns, and armed by three 

 hundred and fifty gallant and determined men, who had, how- 

 ever, little or no experience in naval affairs. The great exigency 

 invoked courage and sacrifices; and notwithstanding this vast dis- 

 parity of strengrli, Arnold fearlessly threw himself across the 

 path of the advancing enemy. The fleets met in the narrow 

 strait between Valcour Island and the western shore, just beyond 

 the northern limits of Essex county. "For four hours the battle 

 raged with unabated and terrific violence. Arnold leveling him- 

 self almost every gun, in his own vessel, conducted the battle 

 with the highest skill and heroism. Night separated the com- 

 batants. 



