Excerpt
CHAPTER I THE NAVAL CAMPAIGN ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN1775-1776
Preponderant effect of Control of the Water upon the Struggle for American Independence
Deducible then from Reason and from Experience
Consequent Necessity to the Americans of a Counterpoise to British Navy
This obtained through Burgoyne's Surrender
The Surrender of Burgoyne traceable directly to the Naval Campaigns on Lake Champlain, 1775, 1776
The subsequent Course of the War in all Quarters of the world due to that decisive Campaign
The Strategic Problem of Lake Champlain familiar to Americans from the Wars between France and Great Britain prior to 1775
Consequent prompt Initiative by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold
Energetic Pursuit of first Successes by Arnold
Complete Control of Lake Champlain thus secured
Invasion of Canada by Montgomery, 1775
Arnold marches through Maine Wilderness and joins Montgomery before Quebec
Assault on Quebec. Failure, and Death of Montgomery
Arnold maintains Blockade of Quebec, 1776
Relief of the Place by British Navy
Arnold Retreats to Crown Point
Arnold's Schemes and Diligence to create a Lake Navy, 1776
Difficulties to be overcome
Superior Advantages of the British
The British by building acquire Superiority, but too late for effect in 1776
Ultimate Consequences from this Retardation
Constitution of the Naval Force raised by Arnold
He moves with it to the foot of Lake Champlain
Takes position for Defence at Valcour Island
Particular Difficulties encountered by British
Constitution of the British Lake Navy
Land Forces of the Opponents
Naval Forces of the Two at the Battle of Valcour Island
Magnitude of the Stake at Issue
Arnold's Purposes and Plans
Advance of the British
Arnold's Disposition of his Flotilla to receive Attack
The Battle of Valcour Island
The Americans Worsted
Arnold Retreats by night Undetected
Pursuit by the British
Destruction of the American Vessels
British Appreciation of the Importance of the Action, as shown
Criticism of the conduct of the Opposing Leaders
Arnold's Merit and Gallantry
End of the Naval Story of the Lakes
Effect of the Campaign upon the Decisive Events of 1777
CHAPTER II NAVAL ACTION AT BOSTON, CHARLESTON, NEW YORK, AND NARRAGANSETT BAY—ASSOCIATED LAND OPERATIONS, TO THE BATTLE OF TRENTON1776Necessity that Force, if resorted to, be from the first Adequate
Application to National Policy in peace
To the Monroe Doctrine
Failure of the British Government of 1775 in this respect
Consequences of such failure
General Howe evacuates Boston and retires to Halifax. Extent of his Command
Dissemination of Effort by British Government
Expedition against South Carolina
Local Conditions about Charleston
Description of Fort Moultrie
Plan of British Naval Attack
The Battle of Fort Moultrie
Failure of the Attack. British Losses
Comment upon the Action
The Expedition retires to New York
The Howes, Admiral and General, arrive in New York Bay
Operations about the City
Continuous and Decisive, but Inconspicuous, Part played by the British Navy
Description of Local Conditions about New York
American Preparations for Defence
Crucial Weakness of the Scheme
The Advance of the British
Washington withdraws his Army from the Brooklyn side
Success of this Withdrawal due to British Negligence
Subsequent Operations, and Retreat of Washington to New Jersey
Retreat continued to Pennsylvania, where he receives reinforcements
Slackness of Sir William Howe's actions
The British take possession of Narragansett Bay....