Oct. 11 1776 Benedict Arnold patiently watches the British squadron sailing with a stiff southerly wind sail past the southern tip of the island which conceals his squadron. The Thunderer and Carleton in the lead followed by the smaller schooners and gunboats sail past unmolested. Arnold looking back towards the north sees his targets begin to approach. Nearly 400 bateaux each loaded with two dozen of the finest soldiers in the world, Hessians armed with rifles and bayonet, but thats all.
Arnold gives the order, his fleet moves out led by his two large row galleys followed by the sloop Enterprise three schooners and a dozen war gondolas. In front of them over 7000 enemy soldiers, all effectively helpless. The British warships with the wind at their backs are effectively out of the battle for at least a day even if they soon realize their mistake.
Arnold gives the order, his fleet moves out led by his two large row galleys followed by the sloop Enterprise three schooners and a dozen war gondolas. In front of them over 7000 enemy soldiers, all effectively helpless. The British warships with the wind at their backs are effectively out of the battle for at least a day even if they soon realize their mistake.