 Adverse winds as well as damaged and leaky boats slowed the American fleet 's progress . At Schuyler Island , Providence and Jersey were sunk or burned , and crude repairs were effected to other vessels . The cutter Lee was also abandoned on the western shore and eventually taken by the British . Around 2 : 00 pm , the fleet sailed again , trying to make headway against biting winds , rain , and sleet . By the following morning , the ships were still more than 20 miles ( 32 km ) from Crown Point , and the British fleet 's masts were visible on the horizon . When the wind finally changed , the British had its advantage first . They closed once again , opening fire on Congress and Washington , which were in the rear of the American fleet . Arnold first decided to attempt grounding the slower gunboats at Split Rock , 18 miles ( 29 km ) short of Crown Point . Washington , however , was too badly damaged and too slow to make it , and she was forced to strike her colors and surrender ; 110 men were taken prisoner . 
