 While both sides busied themselves with shipbuilding , the growing American fleet patrolled the waters of Lake Champlain . At one point in August , Arnold sailed part of the fleet to the northernmost end of the lake , within 20 miles ( 32 km ) of Saint @-@ Jean , and formed a battle line . A British outpost , well out of range , fired a few shots at the line without effect . On September 30 , expecting the British to sail soon , Arnold retreated to the shelter of Valcour Island . During his patrols of the lake Arnold had commanded the fleet from the schooner Royal Savage , carrying 12 guns and captained by David Hawley . When it came time for the battle , Arnold transferred his flag to Congress , a row galley . Other ships in the fleet included Revenge and Liberty , also two @-@ masted schooners carrying 8 guns , as well as Enterprise , a sloop ( 12 guns ) , and 8 gundalows outfitted as gunboats ( each with three guns ) : New Haven , Providence , Boston , Spitfire , Philadelphia , Connecticut , Jersey , New York , the cutter Lee , and the row galleys Trumbull and Washington . Liberty was not present at the battle , having been sent to Ticonderoga for provisions . 
