08/06/2026
Interesting facts….. “American Leaders” included Arnold, Ethan Allen and our own William Gilliland at Gilliland’s Settlement.
Arnold and Carleton spent several days and nights in Willsborough.
Willsborough, supplied the Revolution.
August 6, 1776 — Benedict Arnold Prepares to Take Command of America’s Lake Champlain Fleet
Two hundred and fifty years ago today, Benedict Arnold prepared to take command of one of the most important military projects of the American Revolution.
Following the retreat from Canada, the Northern Department faced an urgent problem. A council of war had already decided to abandon Crown Point and concentrate the defense at Fort Ticonderoga, leaving only a small flotilla on Lake Champlain to oppose the expected British advance. American leaders had chosen Arnold to lead the effort, and on the following day he would formally assume command, replacing Commodore Jacobus Wynkoop.
Before the Revolution, Arnold had been a successful merchant and shipowner, giving him valuable experience in ships, navigation, and shipbuilding.
The assignment was enormous. Arnold lacked iron, cannon, food, skilled shipwrights, experienced sailors, and adequate crews. General George Washington could spare no seamen from New York, and Arnold had also lost valuable time defending himself against accusations arising from the Canadian campaign before they were dismissed.
Despite these obstacles, Arnold immediately began preparing to organize the shipyards, gather craftsmen from several colonies, and assemble the men needed to create America’s first fighting fleet on Lake Champlain.
British commander Guy Carleton hoped to advance south and eventually link with General William Howe, threatening to divide New England from the rest of the United States. Arnold understood he could not destroy the British fleet. His objective would be to delay it long enough to preserve the northern defenses.
And that’s the way it was, August 6, 1776.
