The latter started to pursue in such a hurry that he forgot to leave orders for the troops which had been landed; but, failing to discover the fugitives, he returned and remained at Valcour till nightfall, when scouts brought word that the enemy were at Schuyler's Island, eight miles above.
The retreat of the Americans had been embarrassed by their injuries, and by the wind coming out ahead.

They were obliged to anchor on the 12th to repair damages, both hulls and sails having suffered severely.
Arnold took the precaution to write to Crown Point for bateaux, to tow in case of a southerly wind; but time did not allow these to arrive.
Two gondolas had to be sunk on account of their injuries, making three of that class so far lost.

The retreat was resumed at 2 P.M., but the breeze was fresh from the southward, and the gondolas made very little way.

At evening the British chased again.

That night the wind moderated, and at daybreak the American flotilla was twenty-eight miles from Crown Point,--fourteen from Valcour,--having still five miles' start.