While both sides busied themselves with shipbuilding, the growing American fleet patrolled the waters of Lake Champlain. At one point in August, Arnold sailed part of the fleet to the northernmost end of the lake, within of Saint-Jean, and formed a battle line. A British outpost, well out of range, fired a few shots at the line without effect. On September 30, expecting the British to sail soon, Arnold retreated to the shelter of Valcour Island. During his patrols of the lake Arnold had commanded the fleet from the schooner , carrying 12 guns and captained by David Hawley. When it came time for the battle, Arnold transferred his flag to , a row galley. Other ships in the fleet included and , also two-masted schooners carrying 8 guns, as well as , a sloop (12 guns), and 8 gundalows outfitted as gunboats (each with three guns): , , , , , "Connecticut", "Jersey", , the cutter "Lee", and the row galleys and . "Liberty" was not present at the battle, having been sent to Ticonderoga for provisions.