Clinton County Historical Association
By Kim Dedam
PLATTSBURGH | Reenactment of the Battle of Valcour drew hundreds to City Beach despite a brisk wind whipping off Lake Champlain. Weather and high seas pushed much of the naval battle reenactment to shore. But chairs filled and the crowd stayed to listen and pay tribute.
The morning's anticipation was brightened with a stirring set of patriotic music and marches from the U.S. Navy Band Northeast, who traveled from Newport RI to perform in honor of one of the first naval battles in U.S. history.
Fanfare with trills, clarion trumpet and drum rolls drew strident cheers and applause. The Navy Band played about eight numbers, including God Bless America, This is My Country and The Star Spangled Banner, which officially opened the Saranac Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) 131st Battle of Valcour Commemoration.
Remembrance this year brought an historical recount of the British advance into Lake Champlain and engagement with the Continental Navy at Valcour Bay. Details shared how Benedict Arnold escaped that night, Oct. 11, 250 years ago.
"This was a contest that went on for some six or seven hours," historian Dr. John Kreuger, master of ceremonies, shared. "By nightfall, the American fleet had been badly mauled and the damage seemed to confirm British confidence.
"The Philadelphia, holed in so many places, sank about an hour after the battle ended. The Washington had been hit repeatedly...On the (gunboat) New York, every officer except Capt. John Reed had been lost.
"The British believed the bottle was stopped. As darkness fell, Carleton and Pringle arranged their vessels in a loose blockade south of the passage between Valcour and the New York shore, expecting Benedict Arnold to surrender in the morning."
But Arnold was not finished.
"Thick fog covered the lake while Carleton and his officers dined below decks aboard the Lady Maria. In darkness, the Americans slipped south. ...one by one the gunboats followed (the galley Trumbull), each showing only a shrouded lantern at the stern...behind them, the burning Royal Savage drew British eyes.
"In disciplined order, the battered fleet passed through, one of the boldest escapes of any campaign," Dr. Krueger said.
Arnold understood how narrow their escape had been.
"In an account written for General Gates, Arnold concluded 'on the whole, I think we have made a very fortunate escape.'"
Morning at Valcour exposed the deception, Dr. Kreuger said.
"Fog lifted on a British fleet that expected to find Arnold trapped, only to discover that the Americans were gone."
Pursuit lasted over 36 hours south. By Oct. 13, near Split Rock, the historian said, "the British caught the rear of Arnold's straggling line."
The Washington galley, already badly damaged, surrendered there. But nearing the end of the lake, the American fleet landed at Ferris Bay at Panton. Arnold ran the vessels aground and burned them rather than surrender.
Carrying wounded sailors in stretchers made of sail canvas, the American sailors escaped to Fort Ticonderoga.
The narrative written and read by historian Dr. Krueger held the crowd's rapt attention as cannons volleyed along the beach, casting sulfurous clouds against the shore.
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SARANAC DAR TRADITION, REMEMBRANCE
The historical reenactment was hosted by the Saranac Chapter, DAR. Saranac Chapter Regent Katherine Duesberg formally welcomed guests and participants to their 131st annual Battle of Valcour memorial ceremony.
When the chapter was established in the early 1890s, she said, "founding members committed themselves to sacred duty, ensuring that the brave souls who fought on these waters would never be forgotten.
"Every year, since 1895, without fail, the Saranac Chapter has stood on these shores to keep that promise.
"Today's gathering carries a deeper weight," she said. "This year our long-running local tradition converges with the 250th anniversary, the semiquincentennial of the Battle of Valcour Island."
The precious commodity the men bought with their lives that day, she said, was time: "Those patriots forced the enemy into winter quarters... setting the stage for the turning point victory at Saratoga just one year later."
Lisa O'Brien, New York State DAR Regent, commended their stewardship courage, sacrifice and vision.
"I congratulate you on celebrating this pivotal anniversary," she said. "Occasions such as this are paramount, especially as we continue to commemorate the 250th anniversary of our country with intention and purpose."
A wreath was placed by Saranac DAR historian Mary Bleu, their 131st tribute to those killed at the Battle of Valcour. The Valcour Battle Chapter Sons of the American Revolution placed a second wreath of remembrance and honor.
Cooperation among historians; the City of Plattsburgh; the Clinton County Historical Association (CCHA); Saranac Chapter DAR; Valcour Battle Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution; Dr. John Krueger, American Legion Posts No. 1619 and 912; and the Clinton County America250 Committee celebrated America's the region's rich history over the past 10 months.
The signature reenactment event drew people from across the country, Clinton County America250 Chair and CCHA President Geri Favreau said.
"We are thrilled to have so many people here today," she said on Sunday. "This has been an incredible series to celebrate America 250."
American Legion members have attended America 250 events across the North Country over the past 10 months. Their color guard has fired volleys, raised flags, and played Taps in nearly every town in Clinton County.
John Rock, of Legion Post 1619, held up a powder flask.
"It's empty," he grinned.
The Oct. 11 Battle of Valcour commemoration stands as the year's highlight, he said.
"This just capped the whole summer right off," he said. "It's just unbelievable. And yesterday was a beautiful day down at the Peru Dock. We have been all over. It's been a fabulous summer. The support the North Country has given everybody has been amazing."
Saranac DAR closed the ceremonies with "God Bless America" and a benediction from chapter Chaplain Cathie Davenport.
In Revolutionary War era uniform, the American Legion retrieved the colors.
