Connecticut

A river in New England, and one of the 13 original States.

(Gon: cpl. 45; a. 1 12-pdr., 2 9-pdr.)

The first Connecticut, a gondola, was built at Skenesborough, N.Y., in 1776 for service with the Continental Army on Lake Champlain. Commanded by Army Captain Grant, she joined General Benedict Arnold's fleet by 20 August 1776 and took part in the Battle of Valcour Island on 11, 12, and 13 October 1776. This fleet action on Lake Champlain effectively delayed the British advance from Canada, and gained for the United States valuable time to strengthen their forces which made possible the decisive American victory at Saratoga on 17 October 1777. Threatened with capture at Split Rock on the last day of the battle, Connecticut was burned on Arnold's orders to prevent her capture by the enemy.