The Americans, in the aggregate distinctly inferior, were thus permitted a concentration of superior force upon part of their enemies.

It is needless to enlarge upon the mortifying incident of Arnold's escape that evening.

To liken small things to great,--always profitable in military analysis,--it resembled Hood's slipping away from de Grasse at St.Kitts.[14] [Illustration] In conduct and courage, Arnold's behavior was excellent throughout.
Without enlarging upon the energy which created the flotilla, and the breadth of view which suggested preparations that he could not enforce, admiration is due to his recognition of the fact--implicit in deed, if unexpressed in word--that the one use of the Navy was to contest the control of the water; to impose delay, even if it could not secure ultimate victory.

No words could say more clearly than do his actions that, under the existing conditions, the navy was useless, except as it contributed to that end; valueless, if buried in port.
Upon this rests the merit of his bold advance into the lower narrows; upon this his choice of the strong defensive position of Valcour; upon this his refusal to retreat, as urged by Waterbury, when the full force of the enemy was disclosed,--a decision justified, or rather, illustrated, by the advantages which the accidents of the day threw into his hands.

His personal gallantry was conspicuous there as at all times of his life.