Before the war of Independence properly began, the American Continental Congress invited the Canadians to join their struggle against the British but the Canadians showed little enthusiasm. This book details the battle between Montgomery and Arnold's untried troops and Carieton's awaiting British forces in Quebec. This catastrophic American defeat was to set a precedent for the following battles at Trios Rivieres and the Cedars. On 11 October 1776 Carleton's fleet reached Valcour Island, where Arnold's force was anchored. Despite some damage to the leading vessels, the British overpowered their enemy and only nightfall prevented total annihilation. An eventual retreat by Carleton brought on by the early onslaught of winter was to have momentous consequences in 1777.