On board the Maria off Crown-Point,
October 14, 1776.
My Lord,
The rebel fleet upon Lake Champlain has been entirely defeated in two actions; the first on the 11th instant, between the island of Valcour and the main; and the second on the 13th, within a few leagues of Crown-Point.
We have taken Mr. Waterburg, the second in command, one of their brigadier-generals, with two of their vessels, and ten others have been burnt and destroyed; only three of fifteen sail, a list of which I transmit, having escaped. For further particulars I refer your Lordship to Lieutenant Dacres, who will be the bearer of this letter, and had a share in both actions, particularly the first, where his gallant behaviour in the Carleton schooner, which he commanded, distinguished him so much as to merit great commendation: and I beg to recommend him to your Lordship’s notice and favour: at the same time I cannot omit taking notice to your Lordship of the good service done, in the first action, by the spirited conduit of a number of officers and men of the corps of artillery, who served the gun-boats, which, together with the Carleton, sustained for many hours the whole fire of the enemy’s fleet, the rest of our vessels not being able to work up near enough to join effectually in the engagement.
The rebels, upon the news reaching them of the defeat of their naval force, set fire to all the buildings and houses in and near Crown-Point, and retired to Ticonderoga.
The season is so far advanced, that I cannot yet pretend to inform your Lordship whether any thing farther can be done this year.
I am, &c.
GUY CARLETON.
List of the Rebel Vessels on Lake Champlain, before their Defeat.
Schooners Royal Savage, 8 six-pounders and 4 four-pounders—Went on shore, was set fire to, and blown up.