American War of Independence (1775-83)
George III’s maps and views showing the development of the war at home and abroad, from North America to India
Battle of Valcour Island, 1776
1776 or laterPencil, pen, ink and watercolour on paper | 28.8 x 40.5 cm (image) | RCIN 734022
A view of the Battle of Valcour Island, fought on 11 October 1776 between the British fleet, commanded by Guy Carleton, 1st Baron Dorchester, (1724-1808) then Governor of the Province of Quebec, and the ships of the United States, commanded by General Benedict Arnold (1741-1801), resulting in a British victory. American War of Independence (1775-83).
A view looking north showing the battle taking place between Valcour Island and the mainland, with Grande Isle on the right. The Americans' small fleet was almost entirely destroyed. Henry Gilder, the artist of this view, had been a groom to the Duke of Cumberland, but his talent for drawing was encouraged by Paul Sandby and Gilder became a drawing master at the Royal Military Academy in about 1776. There is no evidence to suggest that he was present in North America at this time and so this drawing was probably worked up from the sketches and plans of others.
Henry Gilder (1743-1808) (artist) [bottom left, between edge of view and inner framing line:] H. Gilder.
Watermark: Fleur-de-lys in crowned shield, a ‘4’ with an upside down V suspending the letters VDL below
Condition: no fold lines, small tear and repair to top left
25.2 x 35.7 cm (neatline)
28.8 x 40.5 cm (image)
30.1 x 43.4 cm (sheet)
Manuscript title:
No title
Additional text:
[bottom, below wash and ink framing lines, a key, a-i, k-n, to the geographical features and the names of the ships.
Annotations:
George III heading: Naval Engagement on Lake Champlain in Oct. 1776.
Other annotations: (Recto) [top left, black pencil, erased:] XIV/22; [top left, black pencil, erased: the George III heading?].
George III catalogue entry:
Champlain, Lake A drawn View of the Engagement on Lake Champlain between His Majesty’s Ships under the command of Captain Thomas Pringle and the Rebel Fleet commanded by Benedict Arnold on the 11.th of Oct.r 1776: by H. Gilder. [The same entry appears under the heading Naval Engagement. A pencil note beside the entry in the George III catalogue reads: ‘This was mounted and loaned to the American Exhibition 1950-51.']
Subject(s)
Lake Champlain, New York, USA (44°37'08"N 73°25'00"W)
Page revisions
14 March 2024
Current version
