Built as a gondola at Skenesborough, NY in 1776 for the Continental Army for service on Lake Champlain.
In service under the name CONNECTICUT, the first USA navy ship under that name.
Armament 1 – 12pdr., 2 – 9 pdrs.
Crew 45
Commanded by the Army Captain Grant.
After completing she joined the fleet of General Benedict Arnold on 20 August 1776.
Took part in the Battle of Valcour Island on 11, 12 and 13 October 1776. see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Valcour_Island
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, CONNECICUT was burned on Arnold’s orders to prevent her capture by the enemy..
Marshall Islands 1997 20c sg895, scott649g
Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.