Valcour: The 1776 Campaign That Saved the Cause of Liberty

by Jack Kelly

The wild and suspenseful story of one of the most crucial and least known campaigns of the Revolutionary War when America’s scrappy navy took on the full might of Britain’s sea power.

During the summer of 1776, a British incursion from Canada loomed. In response, citizen soldiers of the newly independent nation mounted a heroic defense. Patriots constructed a small fleet of gunboats on Lake Champlain in northern New York and confronted the Royal Navy in a desperate three-day battle near Valcour Island. Their effort surprised the arrogant British and forced the enemy to call off their invasion.

Valcour is a story of people. The northern campaign of 1776 was led by the underrated general Philip Schuyler (Hamilton's father-in-law), the ambitious former British officer Horatio Gates, and the notorious Benedict Arnold. An experienced sea captain, Arnold devised a brilliant strategy that confounded his slow-witted opponents.

America’s independence hung in the balance during 1776. Patriots endured one defeat after another. But two events turned the tide: Washington’s bold attack on Trenton and the equally audacious fight at Valcour Island. Together, they stunned the enemy and helped preserve the cause of liberty.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Military History, American Revolution, American History, War, American Revolutionary War

304 pages, Hardcover

First published April 6, 2021

About the author

Jack Kelly is an award-winning author and historian. He has published works of narrative nonfiction focusing on the Revolutionary War and early America.

Jack lives with the acclaimed artist Joy Taylor and a lovely, nondescript cat named Allis Chalmers, in New York's Hudson Valley. He writes mainly about the American Revolution and the early history of the nation. He’s always happy to hear from readers via his website JackKellyBooks.com.

Perhaps because of a background as the author of five crime novels, Jack writes nonfiction with the compulsive energy of thrillers. He has covered a range of fascinating historical personalities in his books GOD SAVE BENEDICT ARNOLD, VALCOUR, and BAND OF GIANTS. In honor of the 2025 bicentennial of the Erie Canal, his history HEAVEN’S DITCH gives an intriguing look at the excitement surrounding that major achievement.

In January 2026, Jack will publish TOM PAINE’S WAR. The book offers a compelling portrait of the man who was the voice of the American Revolution and who remains our most relevant founder. Paine’s Common Sense convinced Americans to declare independence. He went on to march with Washington’s army during the desperate struggle of 1776.

Jack has received the DAR History Medal and is a New York Foundation for the Arts fellow in Nonfiction Literature.

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 3 out of 5]

Valcour - The 1776 Campaign That Saved the Cause of Liberty by Jack Kelly is a history book that mainly covers the lead up to and the naval battle that took place at Valcour Island in October of 1776. It covers the lives of several military figures including Benedict Arnold who exhibited courage and ingenuity in a time when he was supporting the American cause.

The author brought a strong sense of time and place to the people and events in the book. His writing style was very descriptive and pulled this reader into the events. However, the author’s tendency to go back and forth in time interrupted the flow.

While this battle is not well known, it was one of two pivotal events that helped the American cause. (The other was George Washington’s attack on Trenton). There are a lot of key points in this history has well. Military appointments were often based on connections rather than competence and military experience. The amount of sickness, fatigue, desertion, and lack of supplies, including medicines, doctors, and ammunition, definitely contributed to loss of life. The arguments between military leaders also led to some bad decisions and hesitations.

Overall, this book was well-researched and I learned a lot. There is an excellent bibliography at the end as well as some source notes. My biggest quibble is that there were no maps of the area included in the book. However, I was able to find some applicable maps online. Readers that enjoy descriptive military history including both American and British historical figures will likely enjoy this book. 3.5 stars rounded to 3 stars.

St. Martin’s Press and Jack Kelly provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for April 06, 2021.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for a story of an overlooked battle in the American Revolutionary War. This history book starts out a little slow, but picks up the tempo at the battle. i thought that the description of the naval battle on Lake Champlain near what is now New York State's Valcour Island was excellent.
In 1776 Brtain sent a superior naval force with experienced sailors down the Richelieu river from Quebec to Lake Champlain with the goal of capturing Fort Ticonderoga and smashing the Revolution in its infancy. If they had succeeded, they would have split the colonies in two halves, separating New England from the rest of the colonies.
They failed because of Benedict Arnold, today reviled as a traitor. But he was the general who organized the building of warships and led his inexperienced sailors and soldiers against a superior British force. The British had more and bigger ships. Their ships had bigger and more accurate canons. But Arnold chose an excellent defensive position, forcing the British to attack him against the wind, while Arnold's stationary ships, between Valcour Island and the mainland, directed their fire at each individual ship as it attacked against the wind.
Then after his ships were defeated, but still afloat, he slipped through the British blockade and escaped to Fort Ticonderoga. The British retreated for that year and the Revolution lived on.
One quote: "The bay where the final act of the Battle of Valcour Island had been played out would afterward be kn own as Arnold's Bay. It is called so to this day, the only place named for him in the country he would betray."
Thanks to Sara Beth Haring at St. Martin's Press for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It wasn’t until I visited Montreal that I learned that the United Colonies had attempted to invade Canada during the Revolutionary War. It didn’t end well. This book starts with the retreat. To be honest, I would have preferred a little more background before the story moves to the battle of Lake Champlain. I would have also really appreciated a map at the front of the book so I could have gotten my bearings as to where various locales were. But these issues aside, this is a well researched, educational book.
I’d heard of all the “big names” in this story - Schuyler, Arnold and Gates. Kelly does a great job of fleshing out these names and making them come to life. Kelly shows us over and over that the British were only one of the problems the Colonists dealt with. And that often, the fights between the military leaders were the biggest issues. And when he finally gets to the actual battle, I was ducking and weaving trying to escape the grapeshot and cannon balls - it was that realistic.
The book also lays the groundwork for why Arnold finally betrays his country. And shows us how much good he initially did to help the cause.
I really enjoyed Kelly’s previous book, The Edge of Anarchy. He has the ability to make nonfiction read like fiction. I will continue to read anything he writes.
My thanks to netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.

[Elizabeth (Alaska) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to comment again that history in school did not include this episode. If yours did not either, then maybe telling you that Valcour is an island in Lake Champlain helps. And why would there be a naval battle in 1776 in Lake Champlain? To keep the British from coming down from the north so that the "Rebels" wouldn't have to fight a two front war.

Anyway, not only was I completely untutored about this event, but also that it's hero was Benedict Arnold.

We like our heroes pure. It has always been hard to accept, as a historian put it in 1913, "that we owe the salvation of our country at a critical juncture to one of the blackest traitors in history."

Jack Kelly has written a biography of Arnold. In the meantime, there was plenty in this title to have us know him better.

Danger nourished Arnold. Chaos and violence ignited adrenaline-charged sensations that transformed fear into a vital sense of urgency. In action, he became himself.

Perhaps the best of it, however, is Kelly's descriptions of what the men endured.

When the fleet had come down the lake in late August, the humid summer weather left the men sweating as they rowed, hauled sails, and practiced handling the cannon. Flies and mosquitoes were still a problem. Now, a month later, the sun was slumping ever lower in the sky. Tense winds hissed down from Canada. The night air gnawed at exposed flesh.

And the ships and weaponry, too.

But any cannon was a formidable weapon, exploding with an earsplitting boom and throwing a lethal ball at high speed half a mile or more. The boats were quipped with multiple swivel guns, rated as 1-pounders. These were fixed to the gunwales to provide short-range fire. They were often loaded with musket balls to spray at the enemy.

It was this last (and it wasn't last in the book by any stretch) that made me wish history teachers - or maybe all teachers - had a bit of training in the theater. Let's make learning exciting! Anyway, I've quoted enough and said enough. If this is truly worth the 5-stars I'm giving it, it's probably at the lower end of that range. Even so, I'll defend that 5th star.

[Porter Broyles · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Battle of Valcour---arguably the most important battle of the American Revolution that nobody has ever heard about! How could it be that important and yet nobody talks about it?

Simple, the hero of the battle, the man to whom America arguably owes is existence is none other than Benedict Arnold!

That is right, without Arnold, the United States as we know it would not exist. But historians could not portray Arnold as America's biggest hero and traitor at the same time

So his contribution towards American independence was largely forgotten.

In the mean time, historians have struggled with coverage of the battle. How do we present the significance of the battle without glorifying Arnold?

Many books simply reference it and move on. Many books gloss over it. Some simply pretend it never happened... They focus on the ineptitude of the British for not capitalizing on Washington's vulnerability or glorify Washington for his daring.

Can't recognize the biggest traitor in American history.

In depth coverage of the battle has thus been limited to biographies on Arnold or told in books featuring Arnold (for example Benedict Arnold's Navy).

In those books Arnold is the main character.

This is the first book that I've encountered where the battle itself is the main character. Yes, Arnold is a major figure, but it isn't about Arnold.

This book is about one of the most important battles of the Revolutionary War, wherein Benedict Arnold happens to be a major character.

Strong 4 star review... Considered 5 stars, but not quite there.

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love it when I find historical non-fiction that does not read like a textbook. Jack Kelly’s “Valcour” sheds light on a little known battle between the British Canadians and the American colonists during the American Revolution.

The book also details Benedict Arnold’s role in the battle. I have to admit, I knew little about Arnold other than he was a traitor. After reading the account of what happened at Valcour, I have a new respect for Arnold, and a better understanding of why he turned his back on the colonists.

Kelly also describes in detail the ships and ammunitions, as well as the hardships that the seamen endured both before and after the battle at Valcour. These men definitely deserved to win.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advance copy. I’m happy to give my honest review.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martins Publishing and the author for the opportunity to read an Advance Readers Copy of this book.

For those who do not know, the United States were once colonies of Great Britain. From 1775 to 1783, they fought a war for independence that ended after few military peaks and many valleys. The American Revolution is one my favorite subjects, both in fiction and nonfiction. VALCOUR by author JACK KELLY takes a nonfiction look at one aspect of that war.

During the first year of military engagements, the colonies had some ups and downs. They included a siege of British occupying forces in Boston (Battle of Bunker Hill) eventually forcing the Redcoats to abandon Boston, a successful raid on Fort Ticonderoga in upstate New York (by Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys) and a disastrous winter attempt to seize Quebec City in Canada.

Benedict Arnold was one of the men leading the Canadian campaign. In America, his name is synonymous with treason for his attempt to turn over an important fort (West Point, New York, mid-Hudson River Valley) to the British later during the war. Mr. Kelly’s purpose of this book is to help understand Arnold, not as traitor but as a brilliant military leader mistreated by the Continental Congress and by some of his superior officers jealous of his successes.

Arnold took charge of the retreat from Quebec City in the latter months of a cold winter. His troops were suffering from smallpox and dysentery. He led them south into Lake Champlain that lies between the states of Vermont and New York. He took them to Fort Ticonderoga where other leaders had been assembling a fleet of small naval ships to stop the British before they could divide the New England colonies from the rest of the colonies. The British had been putting together a larger naval force at the north end of Lake Champlain.

The two forces made contact in October 1776 near Valcour Island. A daylong sea battle ensued. On paper, the British won. The American fleet snuck away during the night. However, it had made the British commander realize that this was not going to be an easy campaign.

Benedict Arnold was leader in charge of the rebel forces. He succeeded in delaying the British from moving south to Fort Ticonderoga until 1777. In that year, at nearby Saratoga, New York, American forces defeated a British Army further postponing a British march to New York City and Albany. The Battle of Saratoga directly led to the French decision to come to the aid of the American colonies.

This book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for readers of military campaigns and the American Revolution.

GO! BUY! READ!

[Jena Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fireworks and cheers for a red, white and blue, star spangled book that brings the Revolutionary War to life. More like a thriller than a non-fiction history book, Valcour: The 1776 Campaign that saved the cause of Liberty is a salute to the Patriots of the Revolutionary War. The book is well-researched and very informative, but this is not dry history. The people, some names known to history, some forgotten, are vivid, the settings and war scenes are life-like, and the ideals of the time shine like gold.

Every war starts with enthusiasm. For the young United States, the ending of the war seemed to be coming too quickly. In 1776, Continental Army Commander George Washington was having a tough time defending New York City, and the woes continued. The Northern Campaign, with it ignominious failure to take Canada, meant that the defense of Lake Champlain in upstate New York was crucial to the cause of the patriots. Three men would be put to the test. General Phillip Schuyler was an expert at logistics, and Horacio Gates was the general best prepared to lead men and rebuild the northern army. Benedict Arnold, yes “that” Benedict Arnold was a superb seaman with a larger-than-life personality. How would they far against the best army and navy in the world?

The life and times of the famous presented in this book are uplifting and inspiring, as are the stories of lesser luminaries. During a perilous winter battle near Quebec, one young soldier sat down on the trail and died. His wife had marched with him; she picked up his musket and kept going. A 13 year-old boy kept a diary as he accompanied his father on a boat during the battle at Lake Champlain.

A fascinating and timely story involved the highly contagious small pox virus, which was a scourge of the army camp. Rumors persisted that the British had sent infected persons into the Continental Army to decimate it! And there were differing views about the use of inoculations!

A memorable part of the book was when a copy of the Declaration of Independence arrived at Fort Ticonderoga and was read to the troops at the Sabbath service. The words were stunning to people raised in a monarchy. Like the author, I salute and give heartfelt thanks to the men and women willing to die for the idea that all are created equal, all endowed with unalienable rights.

From the battles on Lake Champlain to Washington crossing the Delaware, wit, faith and persistence would win. Farmers had faced soldiers and had done their best. I highly recommend this book to all who love and respect history, and to anyone who needs to meet again the people of those historic times, when action, skill, boldness and enthusiasm created a new country.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance review copy. This is my honest review.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valcour tells the tale of the successful patriot campaign on Lake Champlain to stall the eminent British invasion from the north. Part Master and Commander action, part gritty adventure tale, this books provides a depth of insight into the minds and hearts of men like Benedict Arnold, Philip Schuyler and Horatio Gates. I've read many books about the American Revolution, and, now understanding the profound importance of this victory, I'm embarrassed that I wasn't more aware of what happened during the fateful days that led up to the naval battle near Valcour island. These men showed profound determination, audacity and leadership in the face of what looked like insurmountable odds. Highly recommended.

[Athena (OneReadingNurse) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ha this made my Plattsburgh / (Schuyler Falls) native heart so happy. I love that the Champlain Valley revolutionary history is getting some attention. I totally agree that the three primary generals in the North, namely Schuyler, Arnold, Gates, deserve better than what history remembers them for. The book also includes snippets from writings of the people involved and I liked seeing the spelling and dialect, it gave a further air of authenticity

This is a great history of the early revolutionary conflict im the Champlain Valley.  It adequately describes and vividly depicts the hardships that were faced trying to build the American fleet in order to delay the British from coming down Lake Champlain.  The book begins at the American retreat from Montreal, touches on the smallpox epidemic, and goes on to describe the people involved, the building of the American fleet, Benedict Arnold’s struggles with various idiotic military and government personnel, and finally the battle and aftermath, ending before Washington crosses the Delaware.  A fascinating but not necessarily widely known time period and I think the book is interesting, informative, and readable for history buffs and those with casual interest alike.

I think a super broad overview of prior events would have been helpful at the beginning, but Kelly drops us right into the story with Arnold leaving Canada. The book got off to a tad of a rough start for me without that broader context. The smallpox epidemic and the American retreat were terrible in terms of casualties and defeated morale, and it would have been a perfect starting point within a broader context. 

Once the Americans regrouped and fielded their sick, building a fleet was the next challenge.  Finding sailors. Food and hygiene. Native American relations.  Court tribunals and Arnold’s famous temper.  There is so much to consider!

Arnold is a fascinating historical figure and I liked how both he and Carleton, the British general, were shown. Ever wonder what led up to Arnold turning sides? Ever wonder how men on the ships relieved themselves? I have to say I never thought of rags on a rope but Kelly really brings the soldiers and ships to life.  A good history book makes me feel submerged in the events!

((Personal opinion: It always shocks me how Arnold is mostly only taught as a traitor, he is really so freaking interesting and got shafted))

Other than the beginning, I also felt like the maps left out a few necessary landmarks, like île Aux Noix.  The island was a horror show during the American retreat and totally deserves to be on the map, but I don’t have many other qualms about this book.  One is that if Kelly is going to call Canada Canada in 1776, why not mention Plattsburgh since pretty much anyone can put Plattsburgh on a map?  Small things.

Generally I found this to be a very readable account of the early revolutionary struggles in the Champlain Valley.  It briefly ties in the Declaration of Independence, naming of the states, and some of George Washington’s struggles too, so that is fun, but there isn’t a ton of revolutionary information not related to the lake.

If you like nonfiction, read Valcour. If you prefer fiction with a lot more detail and intrigue – read Rabble in Arms and in larger part, The Arundel Chronicles by Kenneth Roberts. I felt like Kelly took the outline straight out of Arundel #3, and the historical accuracy of either is pretty legit.

[Walt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an uncorrected proof of Valcour via NetGalley and I thank St. Martins for asking me to read it.

It was a shame for me to admit when I first started this work that I had studied little of the actual details of the Battle of Valcour Island. After reading this book, I’m happy to say that deficiency has started to be addressed.

The Battle of Valcour Island in October 1776 was a campaign led by Generals Gates, Arnold, and Schuyler to blunt a potential British invasion from the north via Lake Champlain, an invasion that would have allowed British forces to reach the Hudson River and link up with troops in New York. Though the battle was a victory for the British, American troops did slow down British troops enough to force them to winter in Canada, providing America a needed respite to regroup.

Jack Kelly does an excellent job of shifting back and forth between the two sides, providing the reader a good overview of thoughts of both the Americans and the British. The best part of the book, though, is the insight provided into those in charge. I’ve never been a fan of Gates, and this book wasn’t going to change that, but I now have more respect for him and the skills that he brought to the American war effort. The author also provides instructional background on Arnold as well, speculating on possible events that could have nudged him toward the traitorous course he finally took.

I also have to give the Kelly profs on his research. For me, the hardest part when I start a new historical nonfiction book is that authors often reference tangential events to set the stage for the rest of the work. As someone who reads history for fun, I usually have some idea of what’s being mentioned. However, if I’m unsure on anything, I will immediately look it up to guarantee I understand what the author is saying. Part of this is educational for me. However, on some level, it may be a bit arrogant in that I’m checking the author’s research to make sure I can trust it. I found nothing to give me caution in this book’s first chapters and that allowed me to truly enjoy it as a lover of history should.

[Don Gerstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before reading this book, my knowledge of Benedict Arnold was that he attempted to betray the United States during the Revolutionary War. I did not have knowledge of his courageous exploits for the colonists before the war.

The book begins several months before the battle and details the preparations and the challenges of preparing for an inevitable British assault. Arnold did not expect this to take place before Autumn, and his goal was to prevent the British from gaining control of the northern lakes waterways , which would have provided him northern access into America. He knew it was strategically important to force them to have to winter in Canada and chose to fight the naval battle on Lake Champlain near Valcour Island. Arnold commanded a lesser naval force with mostly untested sailors, and his years of maritime experience would hold the key to whether or not he had a chance to stop the enemy navy.

Much of the time if felt like author Jack Kelly crafted the book to sound more like a thrilling war novel rather than a part of history. Even so, his research of documents, letters, and other important items provide the necessary historical facts to also make this book a great source for those interested in history. His description of the battle on Lake Champlain prompted me to check out maps online, enabling me to follow the events as they traveled south past Crown Point and on to Fort Ticonderoga. Learning the facts about Benedict Arnold provided me with an entirely different view of the man. Highly recommended. Five stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a complimentary electronic copy of this book.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. This is a well-researched work that presents the desperate days and weeks in 1776 when a dispirited, beaten and sick U.S. force hastily retreated from their optimistic foray into Canada and had to regain cohesion, health, skill and build a fleet in a short period of time to stop the superior fleet, numbers and skill of the British navy prepared to foray down Lake Champlain and onto New York City where they could have crushed the rebellion in its early stages as well as the actual battle itself that many people don’t know about (I didn’t).

The battle itself doesn’t start until about 50% into the book; this does allow a thorough picture of the desperate position the people were in and the great accomplishment they were able to achieve. It also allows a portrait of some of the average people who were risking everything on the possibility of a better future and a new country. The focus, though, is on three people: Horatio Gates who “transformed the beaten, sick and discouraged army…they became a respectable fighting force”; Philip Schuyler (yes, the father of Eliza who married Alexander Hamilton) who “oversaw the construction of a fleet of war vessels in the wilderness”; and Benedict Arnold whose “actions on Lake Champlain in the summer of 1776 helped save the cause of liberty.”

Well-known as a traitor it is very interesting to see Benedict Arnold as a charismatic and daring leader whose bold behavior contributed to saving the day and stopped the British fleet from proceeding down to New York City. His skill and achievements are often overlooked in light of his later behavior. But this tells the story of the foundation of his later actions.

Kelly’s work is not a dry recitation of facts. The tension is palpable in the writing and he gives a good description of the conditions and chaos of the actual naval battle. He indulges a bit in atmospheric descriptions that I would expect more in a historical fiction story but it makes for good reading. Informative and interesting. Good job.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.

[Sherwood Smith]

I selected this book from NetGalley in hopes of getting a better picture of Benedict Arnold than was taught when I was a kid (he was basically Evil McEvilness) or the revisionary version I encountered in late years as reaction to all that flag-waving rah rah of the fifties, in which pretty much everyone, including Washington, was depicted as an opportunistic scumbag.

I wanted an even-handed account, so that I could understand his motivations for his shift in sides. Though I’ve learned from other books that changing sides (sometimes two or three or five times) during the Revolutionary War was not unheard of at all. But this was a very high profile case, and came at a time that especially hurt.

The main focus of the book is on three people, though the author takes plenty of time to flesh out other figures of the time and place—revolutionaries, British and Native Americans, commanders and commoners.

The three are Horatio Gates, the commander who turned a disparate bunch of farmers and artisans into an effective army; Philip Schuyler, who served as a sort of task force engineer in putting together vessels for the water battle, and of course Benedict Arnold, who proved to be a smart, courageous, if impatient and arrogant commander on both land and water.

The actual battle does not commence until halfway through the book, permitting the author to build a vivid, excellent picture of the situation, the emotions, the motivations, and of course the cost.

I not only got what I asked for—a basic understanding of what led Arnold from Point A to Point B (and its cost) but I got the benefit of a vivid, well-paced book that lays out clearly the strategy and tactics of the period, without sacrificing interest.

Copy provided by NetGalley

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow.

[Patricia Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valcour is about the people involved in the 1776 three-day battle of the fledgling American Colonies against the pesky Brits. In the summer of that year, word came that the British were coming from Canada.

The Americans had wanted to maintain their hold on the upper rivers and knew that to do so they would have to make a stand. And what a brave stand these soldiers who were really just volunteers, made. A stand that would change the course of history.

You will recognize the names. Washington, Schuyler, a General who would become Alexander Hamilton’s father-in-law by marrying Eliza. We also see a different side of Benedict Arnold. A bit rougher than some, but a brilliant strategist.

While Washington routed them in Trenton, Arnold sent the British Gates packing in a three-day battle on Lake Champlain and forced a retreat.

This is a well-researched book. I think we all are familiar with Benedict Arnold as a traitor, but he really is so much more. These men were young and untried but passionate about not being under the thumb of Britain. This was more than a history lesson. These were real people who overcame incredible odds to hold up our fledgling country against more powerful enemies and prevailed.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one.

NetGalley/ April 6th, 2021 by St. Martin’s Press

[Debra Pawlak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reading copy (arc) of this book from NetGalley.com in return for a fair review. The Battle of Valcour Island took place in October of 1776 and was a defining moment in the Revolutionary War. To be honest, I had never heard of it until now. Of course, we all studied what happened at Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill (or Breed's Hill) and maybe the Siege of Boston, but a little known island on Lake Champlain went unnoticed. Author Jack Kelly has done a magnificent job bringing to life this pivotal battle and the men who fought it. Unlike the usual textbook style, I have come to expect when reading about the Revolutionary War, Kelly's vivid prose allows you to smell the gunpowder, see the smoke, and feel the gut-wrenching fear these soldiers experienced. He eloquently describes the battered ships, the rough waters, and the men's stubborn persistence as cannonballs and bullets whizzed past them. Quotes taken from their diaries and letters tells first-hand what really happened as these men struggled not only to best the British, but to survive the assault. Led by Benedict Arnold, a charismatic leader who showed no fear in the midst of the action, these brave men with little training fought side by side in unfamiliar territory relying on Arnold to get them through. Though methods may have changed over the years, war is still war. There were horrific deaths and gruesome casualties that survivors witnessed and then lived with for the rest of their lives. In that respect, these Colonial soldiers were no different than today's service men and women. We certainly owe them a huge debt of gratitude. One last thing, Benedict Arnold is best known for his traitorous turn, but before his monumental decision to join the British, he was a trusted and respected officer serving under George Washington. The Battle of Valcour Island proved his abilities to act under pressure and at the time, he was hailed a hero. Sadly, his legacy is flawed. I highly recommend this book to history lovers, Revolutionary War enthusiasts, and anyone who likes action. Personally, I look forward to more work from Jack Kelly Excellent read!

[James Love · Rating 1 out of 5]

I appreciate the fact that St. Martin's Press gave me an uncorrected galley proof of the book. It is with a heavy heart that I can not recommend it to anyone at this time.

This book reads like fiction which can be a good thing when dealing with history. The research was poorly done and facts were misrepresented. He failed to mention the Huron-Iroquois name was Kanata. First of all, Canada was not called Canada until 1791 (Canada.ca, 2020) fifteen years after the events that occurred in the military campaign being discussed. Canada was not recognized as a country until 1867 and it was not considered a sovereign country until 1982 (Blakemore, 2018).

The author failed to supply maps to help the reader better understand what was going on during the campaign. The author quoted people but failed to support the quotes with the appropriate reference source. I expect more from. serious journalists. I also expect non-fiction to be based on factual information.

I hope that the publisher will take my critical opinions seriously and fix the flaws. Once the flaws are addressed appropriately I would have no problem recommending the book.

References:

Blakemore, E. (August 29, 2018). Canada's Long, Gradual Road to Independence. Retrieved from URL: https://www.history.com/news/canada-i...

Canada.ca. (July 8, 2020). Origin of the Name "Canada.". Retrieved from URL:
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-her...

CBC.ca. (2021). How Did Canada Become a Country? Retrieved from URL: https://www.history.com/news/canada-i...

[Phoebe E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valcour is a fantastic telling of a lesser known and incredibly important Revolutionary War battle and the events surrounding it. I loved the very story-like way that the history was told, drawn heavily from first-person accounts and covering the perspectives of both the Americans and the British. From the beginning, I found it very engaging and I was genuinely fascinated by the history.
Hanging over the story is also the legacy of Benedict Arnold in particular, most notoriously known for being a traitor who shifted over to the British side during the war. Jack Kelly's handling of this is so well done, highlighting Arnold's triumphs amidst the knowledge that his actions later on would forever tarnish his name. I appreciated Kelly's efforts at complicating the narrative around Arnold, as well as around the figures of Horatio Gates and Phillip Schuyler, giving them due credit for their wartime efforts surrounding this battle and the ways in which the success of this effort helped save the revolutionary cause. For those looking for a really interesting and nuanced look at an often overlooked but deeply important part of the history of the Revolutionary War, I highly recommend this book!

**Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!!**

[Victoria Rodríguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an outstanding book. During the summer of 1776, a British raid from Canada approached. The citizen-soldiers of the newly independent nation decided to defend with admirable courage. General Philip Schuyler, Horatio Gates, and Benedict Arnold headed the campaign. I loved the detail with which the author described the events. He does it in such an entertaining way that at no point did I feel bored. I did not know about this battle, nor of the characters mentioned. I am glad I read this book because I learned a little about this crucial battle. I thank St Martin's Press for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an engaging work of non-fiction about the Revolutionary War, more specifically the battle to stop British troops from marching down into New York from Canada. There was a large naval battle on Lake Champlain that I had been unaware of prior to reading this book. The book also features many of the heroic actions Benedict Arnold took while he was firmly on the the side of the Patriots.

I'd recommend this to readers who are interested in learning more about the early days of a the Revolutionary War in a geographical area not usually featured much in the history books.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher via NetGalley. These are my honest thoughts.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea that the United Colonies attempted to invade Canada during the Revolutionary War. This book leads up to the battle at Valcour Island. I thought it was well researched. I also found it very interesting. When I was reading it, I asked my husband if he knew that we had invaded Canada during the Revolutionary War. He didn't know either. I don't remember to this battle being covered during American History in school.

This books leads up to the battle. Benedict Arnold and his fleet of small ships, surprised the Royal Navy at this Island. It occured on Lake Champlain. If you are a history buff, or just like history, I recommend you read this book. As I said, I learned quite a lot.

Thanks to Netgalley for the Kindle Version of the book. All though and opinions are my own.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about the failed attempt to invade Canada early in the days of the Revolutionary War and the subsequent battle on Lake Champlain and Fort Ticonderoga. The key players are Benedict Arnold, Philip Schuyler and Horatio Gates and their roles in the success of the battle. The author points out that Arnold did much good for the Revolution before turning traitor. Something that is often overlooked in history. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the Revolutionary War.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog. I also posted it to my Facebook page.

[Richard Derus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4* of five

The Publisher Says: The wild and suspenseful story of one of the most crucial and least known campaigns of the Revolutionary War

During the summer of 1776, a British incursion from Canada loomed. In response, citizen soldiers of the newly independent nation mounted a heroic defense. Patriots constructed a small fleet of gunboats on Lake Champlain in northern New York and confronted the Royal Navy in a desperate three-day battle near Valcour Island. Their effort surprised the arrogant British and forced the enemy to call off their invasion.

Jack Kelly's Valcour is a story of people. The northern campaign of 1776 was led by the underrated general Philip Schuyler (Hamilton's father-in-law), the ambitious former British officer Horatio Gates, and the notorious Benedict Arnold. An experienced sea captain, Arnold devised a brilliant strategy that confounded his slow-witted opponents.

America’s independence hung in the balance during 1776. Patriots endured one defeat after another. But two events turned the tide: Washington’s bold attack on Trenton and the equally audacious fight at Valcour Island. Together, they stunned the enemy and helped preserve the cause of liberty.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.

My Review: I've never really understood how very much the existence of the USA is contingent on the deep stupidity of the British before reading this book. It's shocking just how little we're taught about Arnold's real contribution to the existence of the US. Valcourt, without exaggeration, was central to the success of the war effort as it denied the British possession of an extremely strategic fort.

So why is the name of the battle only a dim clang of a memory-bell in my history-loving brain? Because Arnold won it. And the reputation-destroying politicos in the Continental Congress who feared the success of anyone not named "Washington" would result in disruption of their narrative...and threaten their power...knew it. What they did after Valcourt was inexcusable, but only the first of many such slapdowns issued by politicians to military men. (They were all men; History is not satirized as "his story" for no reason.) Denying Arnold a richly merited promotion was pusillanimous.

This story of Valcourt is heavily slanted towards the naval parts of the story, with mountains of details I never knew I didn't know about ships, their functioning, their strengths and weaknesses in battle, their command structures...it's a lot to take in. I wasn't always sure I cared, while being unwilling to skip over the data because the author's sneaky and uses these facts to good effect in battle anecdotes. An old didactic trick that never fails to trip up the facile reader/student. (In college I had an entire letter knocked off my essay grade because I knew the material, but skipped class the day it was applied to a specific place so did not relate it to that place despite that being clearly stated as part of the requirement.)

Author Kelly is clearly setting a course into microhistory, prioritizing deep-but-narrow slices of the giant, continent-spanning contests facing the British and the French in the wake of their first-ever world war (The Seven Years' War, 1756 to 1763). If Valcour had not stopped the British from failing at Saratoga, it is doubtful Louis XVI would have funded the war for the American revolutionaries. It is easy, then, to see why someone with an historian's eye for the results of a conflict and a novelist's sense of story would light on this underknown event with glee.

It is both strength and weakness in this story. If one is not au fait with the Revolution and its roots already, this is not the place to start that journey. Too much will slow the reader's pace that the author's at pains to set...looking people up, finding out who did what to whom before the events described. As it never pretended to be an introductory text to the conflict I'm only mentioning it as a fact for y'all to be aware of in deciding about the read's suitability for your taste. I felt I knew enough to be fully engaged in the material completely new to me without worrying about the background. It is, in fact, a favorite genre of mine. Microhistories suit my own readerly desire to dig into *why* if I already know *what* happened.

I found the author's use of notes added to my interest but didn't point me in new directions for reading further about the subject. It's the reason I stopped at a fourth star. A five-star history read needs to blow me right away and/or point me in new or unexpected directions. None of that happened here. The notes demonstrated the author's superior command of archives, and his selections from those archives definitely were apt and germane.

On balance I'll recommend the read to those already interested in the Revolutionary War, and familiar with its broad strokes, who seek more colorful aspects of its story.

[Paul Olkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a hard history book that is highly readable to anyone. It is a complete narrative of the Northern Campaign of the American Army and Navy. The American Army and Navy, fresh from their defeat in Canada, fell back to Northern New York state and Lake Champlain where they could regroup and rethink their strategy to stop the British from attacking the American positions in New York City where the main force of their Army was located. If the British broke through the American line of defense, the war of Independence would be over and the rebellion quelled for the empire.
The 3 generals responsible for this task were Phillip Schuyler, Benedict Arnold and General Sullivan who was replaced by General Horatio Gates early in the campaign of 1776. The Americans were lucky in that the British waited until they regrouped and added resources of their own before chasing down the rebels. This gave Arnold and Schuyler time to build a small fleet of ships from scratch, using everything they could beg borrow or steal to put together a small flotilla of boats with various size cannons to arm them with. The British could get more Gunpowder and arms from England. The Americans had precious little resources to spare. gunpowder was like gold to the Army and this little Navy that Arnold was building. Most of their arms were either captured from the British , were left over from the French and Indian war or were imported from France or places in the Caribbean from trading.
The battle happened on Lake Champlain on October 11,1776. The battle raged all day off the shore of Valcour Island in Western central part of the lake. The Americans held their own against actual British Naval ships and were outnumbered in boats alone 2 to 1; yet they survived day 1 of the battle while blacking the eye of the British. The Americans managed to escape past the British lines in a dense fog and the providence of the Almighty. They needed to regroup and try to get to Crown Point where more American troops were stationed and where they could get more Gunpowder and Ammunition. A number of their ships were battered and some were lost. The British caught up to the Americans on The 13Th at Buttonmould Bay. The British again Pounded the Americans sinking some ships and killing many of the men of the flotilla. Some of the American ships were sent ahead to Crown Point to warn the troops at the fort and to get ready for the final battle. The Americans were in retreat to safety of Crown Point. The weather was against them, while the British ,also beat up, chased what was left of the American fleet down the lake. The British took stock of the damage to their fleet and once again decided not to chase down the Americans for the final kill. They also had no desire to be caught on the lake when winter set in in a few weeks. The were satisfied that they, having destroyed the American fleet could retreat back to their base at St John's and Montreal ,using winter to regroup and rearm while knowing that the Americans could not get back to the St Lawrence Seaway. They were content to let the Americans freeze and try to re-organize in an area where there was little population and organization of industry and transportation or roads. As far as they were concerned they won. They stopped the Americans from raiding Canada and trying to recruit the Quebec population to their cause and against the British.
The Americans ,although beaten physically considered the lake campaign a victory because the British did not invade New York State in 1776. Benedict Arnold was considered a hero of the campaign for his naval strategy on Lake Champlain against the Mighty British navy and their thousands of troops stationed in Canada waiting for spring. Because the British did not act and destroy the remaining American troops at Crown Point, they lost the ability to stop the revolt. America now had the momentum because of these little victories and Washington's victory at Trenton, New Jersey.
This is an excellent book for history buffs, students or folks that want to read how much effort it actually fight against the Best Army in the world at the time. I would like to see a movie or TV show about this campaign. It was one of the the more interesting and unknown campaigns for Independence and Liberty for America.
5 stars for VALCOUR

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of The book from Net Galley in return for an honest review. I do not know if the final print book has illustrations, but the author painted brilliant enough word pictures .
“Valcour” by Jack Kelly is an excellent history of a campaign in the America’s War of Independence. From first page to last, it did more than hold my interest; I was entranced. How often can one say that about a history book of events in a war nearly 250 years ago centered on an obscure island far to the north of what is now a pleasant lake known for it’s beautiful scenery?
In 1776, Valcour , an uninhabited island in Lake Champaign just south of Canada became the site of a desperate naval battle where victory meant the difference in whether the fledgling American colonies survived their first year of independence. The unimpressive Colonial army which is usually and accurately deserved with the term “ ragtag” was facing a numerically superior army of Redcoats. Better trained, armed, supplied and fed, the British plan was to transport troops up the lake ( it flows south, so going “ up” is somewhat counter- intuitive) and overwhelm the weak militia forces at Fort Ticonderoga, thus opening an easy route to invade New York and New England to cut the new country in half. All that stood between the enemy and victory were a small force of hastily gathered troops commanded by Benedict Arnold.
Mr Kelly story of how Arnold inspired and lead his citizen army to victory, or at least the kind of victory needed to stall the British advance, is an exceptionally interesting and well- written book. The facts are presented: the people, the strategies, the struggle by the American to obtain needed supplies, the combat.The British had numerous ships and boats, all armed, and some heavily so, to swamps the few in the American fleet. Reading how Arnold directed the building of gunboats, galleys, and scows , the training men who never did more than row a boat to sail them into the face of the famously renown Royal Navy was truly fascinating. I learned a great deal more about Arnold than I ever knew from this book. He was a fascinating person and one wonders what effect he might have had had he remained loyal to America, or, conversely, if the British had put his daring and military acumen to good us to fight his former country.
That one day running battle when the two lakeside navies came in contact resulted in just what was needed - just enough of a victory to buy time for Ticonderoga to be re-in forced, and more importantly, to show the proud enemy that farmers and shopkeepers were resolute and daring and no pushovers. Arnold was never given the recognition he deserved. He resented being passed over for promotion while other, less able men passed him by.
There is not a dull sentence in “Valcour” . I have visited Fort Ticonderoga. Reading this book made me want to revisit it ( as soon we are allowed to travel out of our houses, that is.)

Recommended to all, even to those who shy away from non- fiction . Truth is better than fiction when written this well. Fully a five star rating.

[Donna semi-hiatus Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valcour is the story of an audacious battle at sea during the American Revolution. It took place at the same time as George Washington’s attack at Trenton and was led by General Philip Schuyler, (former British officer) Horatio Gates; and a capable sea captain named Benedict Arnold. It was the name of the latter that drew my attention, given the ignominy with which his name has been associated in U.S. history and culture.

My thanks go to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the invitation to read and review. Perhaps they would have asked someone else had they known I’d be five years late, but I’m reviewing it now.

It’s a brave, almost foolhardy notion for the Colonies to declare independence from Great Britain, which at the time was unquestionably the greatest military power on the planet; but to fight on the water, facing down the British Navy, seems almost like a death wish. The Patriots—as those seeking independence were called—knew the area far better than the British did, but that, and their motivation, were really the only true advantages they had. And to be clear, they didn’t actually win the three-day Battle of Valcour, but sometimes it’s enough to hold one’s own and avoid annihilation, and that’s what they did.

Arnold was a brave man, as well as gifted and at the time, heroic. I had never read anything by Jack Kelly before this, and as the narrative continued to wax enthusiastically about the deeds and ideas of Benedict Arnold, I wondered, for a time, whether this book was something that was commissioned by Arnold’s descendants with the goal of rehabilitating his image. But at the end, I realized that it was not.

Arnold was a brilliant strategist, and he suffered mightily, as did all involved, during the periods of deprivation this campaign brought about. There were times when they had no ammunition; there were other times when they had limited supplies, but no food. Imagine being reduced to eating soap, which back then was made using lard! The weather, the illness—which killed more of them than combat did—and more than a year spent away from their families must have been demoralizing; yet they never surrendered, and ultimately saw independence.

So, why then, at the very end, did Arnold turn around and betray his fellow fighters to the enemy? It’s a small thing, and though the years and circumstances are different, it reminds me of the motivation of the secret source that betrayed the Nixon administration during the Watergate scandal. Both Arnold and Deep Throat were bitter men that were passed over for promotions that they expected, and had every right to expect. On February 19, Congress promoted five servicemen to the rank of major general, which was the highest rank apart from that of George Washington. Washington himself wrote to Arnold and said, “I was surprised when I did not see your name in the list of major generals.” Furthermore, this was no oversight; it was a snub dealt by small minded men playing politics. Rather than be placed subordinate to men that he had previously commanded, Arnold resigned. What else was he supposed to do? But rather than leave it there, he took one step further, and that step was betrayal.

Kelly is a capable writer, and his research passes the sniff test. Because I had delayed for so long, I checked out the audio book from Seattle Bibliocommons to accompany and speed my way through the digital review copy I’d been given. Narrator David Colacci does a fine job.

I recommend this book to those interested in the American Revolution.

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valcour: The 1776 Campaign That Saved the Cause of Liberty by Jack Kelly is a look into the little known battle which helped continue the Revolution. At the front, Benedict Arnold, a man who fought with valor and courage, before he became known as the traitor to the American cause. During the summer of 1776, a British incursion in the north from Canada loomed. In response, a heroic defense was mounted. Under the direction of Philip Schuyler, underrated general and Alexander Hamilton’s future father-in-law, Horatio Gates, an ambitious former British officer, and the notorious Benedict Arnold, the Patriots constructed a small fleet of gunboats on Lake Champlain in northern New York. As an experienced sea captain, Arnold was able to devise a strategy that confounded their overconfident opponents. They would confront the full might of the British Royal Navy in a three-day battle near Valcour Island. Their effort surprised the arrogant British, who were forced to call off their invasion. At the core of Valcour is the story of people. In the early days of the Revolutionary War, the Patriots endured one defeat after another, with America’s Independence hanging in the balance. Two events would help turn the tide: Washington’s bold attack on Trenton on December 26, 1776 and the Battle of Valcour Island on October 11, 1776.
I love history, especially American history. So when I got the opportunity to read about the Battle of Valcour Island, a battle I knew nothing about, I jumped at the chance. Jack Kelly weaves a history account that is as wild and suspenseful as the American wilderness that flowed and captivates as you read about the crucial and least known campaign when the scrappy navy of the young nation took on the British and their mighty sea power. I loved learning more about Benedict Arnold before he became the infamous traitor we all know him as. Mr Kelly describes him as a paradox of history as the reasons for his decision to betray his nation have been left up to debate and conjecture. Although Mr Kelly does present situations and attitudes that would certainly have contributed to Arnold’s turn. I also enjoyed hearing about the place names which memorialize the battle’s events and keep the memory alive of this important event. I also enjoyed and was humbled by the stories of the men who fought the battle, whose names don’t appear in the history books. Without their sacrifice and courage under almost certain failure, the fight for American Independence would have ended before it truly began. I highly recommend Valcour, an excellent account of the crucial battle.

Valcour: the 1776 Campaign that Saved the Cause of Liberty is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook.

[Zeb Kantrowitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost directly after the Declaration of Independence, the population of New England had started to pull together an Army to conquer Canada. When the attack failed and the Northern Army had to retreat back to New York and try to block the Redcoats by protecting the area of Lake Champlain and the land leading to Albany.

The Continentals had to do two things, they had to build a fleet of ships to protect the Lake and to strengthen the Forts (Crown Point and Ticonderoga) at the lower part of the Lake. The problems for the Commanders who were sent to protect this area was also two fold, they had to train a volunteer militia to fight professional soldiers (including a contingent of Hessians) and to build a fleet of ships.Though training was initiated, it takes time to teach regular citizens to be soldiers, especially to stand fast against an experienced attacking force.

Without any armed ships available to the proposed Navy, not to mentions shipwrights and experienced officers and sailors, Benedict Arnold had to create a force from scratch. It doesn't seem that difficult to get warships built but you have to know how they will react to the stress of the firing of cannon and to take hits from cannonballs. This put Arnold and his fellow officers at a big advantage to start. Also you don't learn how to climb rigging and swing around sails and such in a short period of time, especially when they are under the command of non-naval officers.

Arnold chose to meet the superior British fleet at a point in the Lake where the width of the water narrowed and gave the defenders a chance to receive the British Ships in an area that limited their ability to maneuver. Arnold biggest problem once he was on the water, was that his land based artillery had to learn to fire their cannons from a moving, rocking platform. It's hard to aim a cannon when the ship is rocking side to side and up and down on the waves. The British sailors were all experienced hands at this type of warfare.

Using a brilliant strategy, that even surprised the British, Arnold was able to give almost as good as he got (though losing a large part of his ships), the Americans had time to receive war material and extra soldiers with which to defend the southern part of the Lake and Fort Ticonderoga. Should the Continentals lose the fort, the whole Hudson River valley would be open to attack. Almost single handedly, Arnold held his Navy together and saved the United Colonies from being split in half.

[Aishuu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been wanting a good book about the Battle of Valcour since it's my personal, local history. Most of the histories I've seen before were written either academics or amateur historians, so having a good narrative writer tackle it really helped gain perspective.

Very much liked the pacing and story. One of the reasons Lake Champlain's part in Revolutionary War history isn't more mainstream is Benedict Arnold's important role. It's hard to tell a heroic story about a man whose name is an American synonym for traitor. This is the book I needed to help reconcile Arnold's actions and motivations with his "historic" reputation. Very much helped me pull together the threads of local history into a more complete tapestry. So thank you, Jack Kelly, for giving me a book I desperately needed.

Would've been five stars except I had issues with the narrator David Colacci. I was confused for a while about the locations he was mentioning before he pronounced "AuSable" and I realized he didn't have a clue about how to pronounce nonmainstream locations. After a while it became amusing, but I found it distracting since I kept trying to figure out to where he was referring. Also, major audio editing fail because narrator kept saying "1977" instead of "1777." I never want to be one of those people bitching about a narrator since he does have a lovely voice and was very pleasant to listen to, but it was really distracting.

I think it's a general complaint - why don't companies offer narrators pronunciation guides? It would take an hour research, max - call the local historical societies or even the town hall/local government to get the pronunciations. I get the narrators are churning these out (and I definitely like Mr. Colucci's voice and narration and will continue to listen to his work), but it would be worth having the production staff do as a matter of fact.

Verdict: Very good story, recommended for people interested in Revolutionary War history.

The single caveat to the audiobook edition: If you're local, and you will get annoyed by mispronunciations, read the text. If you're a local with a sense of humor, the audiobook is worth it if you play "which place is he REALLY referring to?"