CHAPTER I

Preponderant effect of Control of the Water upon the Struggle for American Independence [6]

Deducible then from Reason and from Experience [6]

Consequent Necessity to the Americans of a Counterpoise to British Navy [6]

This obtained through Burgoyne's Surrender [6]

The Surrender of Burgoyne traceable directly to the Naval Campaigns on Lake Champlain, 1775, 1776 [7]

The subsequent Course of the War in all Quarters of the world due to that decisive Campaign [7]

The Strategic Problem of Lake Champlain familiar to Americans from the Wars between France and Great Britain prior to 1775 [8]

Consequent prompt Initiative by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold [8]

Energetic Pursuit of first Successes by Arnold [9]

Complete Control of Lake Champlain thus secured [9]

Invasion of Canada by Montgomery, 1775 [9]

Arnold marches through Maine Wilderness and joins Montgomery before Quebec [10]

Assault on Quebec. Failure, and Death of Montgomery [10]

Arnold maintains Blockade of Quebec, 1776 [10]

Relief of the Place by British Navy [11]

Arnold Retreats to Crown Point [12]

Arnold's Schemes and Diligence to create a Lake Navy, 1776 [13]

Difficulties to be overcome [13]

Superior Advantages of the British [13]

The British by building acquire Superiority, but too late for effect in 1776 [13]

Ultimate Consequences from this Retardation [14]

Constitution of the Naval Force raised by Arnold [14]

He moves with it to the foot of Lake Champlain [15]

Takes position for Defence at Valcour Island [15]

Particular Difficulties encountered by British [15]

Constitution of the British Lake Navy [16]

Land Forces of the Opponents [17]

Naval Forces of the Two at the Battle of Valcour Island [17]

Magnitude of the Stake at Issue [18]

Arnold's Purposes and Plans [18]

Advance of the British [19]

Arnold's Disposition of his Flotilla to receive Attack [20]

The Battle of Valcour Island [21]

The Americans Worsted [22]

Arnold Retreats by night Undetected [23]

Pursuit by the British [24]

Destruction of the American Vessels [25]

British Appreciation of the Importance of the Action, as shown [26]

Criticism of the conduct of the Opposing Leaders [26]

Arnold's Merit and Gallantry [27]

End of the Naval Story of the Lakes [27]

Effect of the Campaign upon the Decisive Events of 1777 [28]