Daily Event for October 11


October 11, 1776: The British, while attempting to coral Gen. Benedict Arnold along Lake Champlain, attacked and sank several American warships. Including the Philadelphia (a 53' gunboat) and the schooner Royal Savage. These ships were sunk near Valcour Island. The rest of the American fleet disappeared in the night. The British however caught up with them the next day and destroyed most of them. This is significant because this action delayed the planned British campaign against Gen. Arnold. The wreck of the Royal Savage was located in 1932 and raised in 1934. Only the bottom of the vessel remained. But this spurred interest in locating the Philadelphia. It was found in 1935 in fairly good condition. The ship was raised and finally donated to the Smithsonian Institution.

© 2005 Michael W. Pocock
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