Page:History of the United States of America, Spencer, v1.djvu/458

426 previous year. Military punctilio caused some trouble between Schuyler and Gates, which led Congress to recommend the generals to act conjointly; but it was a rather clumsy expedient, and Schuyler, feeling himself aggrieved, offered to resign. Congress, perfectly satisfied as to his patriotism and ability, declined to accept his resignation, of course. Crown Point was decided to be untenable, and the troops fell back upon Ticonderoga. Sickness and hardships had made sad inroads upon the American forces, and of the six thousand who had reached the fort, not more than half were fit for duty.

General Carleton's force, including the German mercenaries, amounted to thirteen thousand men, in excellent condition, and eager to pursue the disorganized and weakened American troops. In his well-conducted retreat from Canada, General Sullivan had made way with all the boats on the lake, in consequence of which, the British general was unable to advance against the Americans. Thick forests lined the shores of Lake Champlain, and as there was no passage except by water, it was evident that nothing effective could be done, until a suitable supply of shipping was obtained on the lake. Vigorous preparations were made by both parties for the approaching contest. Carleton, on his side, had the advantage, and the men worked with uncommon zeal and activity, in the hope that they would readily triumph over the Americans, and have a share in the glory of a successful and speedy termination of the war. The frames of five large vessels, prepared in England, and brought across by land from Montreal to St. John's, were soon put together on the lake. A large number of gun-boats were also brought from the St. Lawrence, and dragged over the rapids of the Sorel at Fort Chambly. This formidable flotilla, which sprung into existence, as it were by magic, consisted of nearly thirty vessels, which were manned by seven hundred picked seamen.

By the middle of August, the Americans succeeded in completing a small flotilla, which was subsequently augmented to sixteen vessels, of various size and sort; the whole was placed under the command of Arnold, who was ready for fighting of any kind, and at any time. From the necessity of the case, the vessels were manned by soldiers taken from the ranks.

Arnold, who was well aware of his probable inferiority to the British forces, had posted himself with great judgment, in a position between Valcour Island and the shore, where he could neither be surrounded nor attacked, except in front, by a portion of the enemy's flotilla. Early on the morning of the 11th of October, they came in sight, led by Captain Pringle, in the Inflexible, Sir Guy Carleton taking his station on the deck of the flag ship. Sweeping round the southern point of the island, the English vessels were soon engaged with the American, and the combat raged for four hours with the most desperate fury. Arnold had posted himself on board the Congress galley; he pointed every gun with his own hand, and cheered on his men with his characteristic