Leonard Van Buren Supplies Arnold's Makeshift Navy
Leonard Van Buren is an extremely obscure Founder who I stumbled upon while researching the ancestors of President Martin Van Buren.
Leonard’s greatest contribution to the Patriot Cause were his efforts to secure supplies for Navy being constructed on Lake Champlain.
He also had an interesting friendship develop while a prisoner of war.
Leonard Van Buren
Leonard Van Buren was part of the large New York Van Buren Family, which makes him the distant relative of a future President, Martin.
At the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, most of the Van Buren’s joined the Patriot Cause.
Leonard was no different. He joined the Albany Militia and quickly achieved the rank of Captain.
Supplying Arnold
As the Continental Army was retreating from Canada, Benedict Arnold famously constructed a makeshift navy on Lake Champlain in an effort to halt the British’s movements.
In need of supplies, the Army sent William Bacon to Connecticut to purchase sailcloth and cordage.
Unfortunately, Bacon disappeared during this task, and Leonard Van Buren was chosen to carry out the job in his stead.
Van Buren first went to Connecticut where he met with Governor Jonathan Trumbull and left a letter for Bacon (should he show up) instructing him to discontinue any purchasing.
Leonard then successfully obtained the supplies needed to create ships for this, the first American Navy.
Intelligence
Van Buren went on to spend time collecting intelligence on the British in New York City.
His reports to Major General Horatio Gates discuss troop numbers, health and morale.
Furthermore, he alerted the Continentals to a British desire to capture the Hudson River and split the United States in half.
POW
At some point, Van Buren was taken as a prisoner of war.
Whether this was as a spy or a standard soldier is difficult to determine, but he was shortly thereafter able to escape his confines. He was able to do this with the assistance of a famous female Patriot, Elizabeth Burgin.
When Burgin was later released, Van Buren was disappointed to learn that she would not be meeting him in Albany, instead moving to Philadelphia.
Paying it Back
As a token of his appreciation, and desire to help a woman in need, Leonard sent Elizabeth $500. Additionally, he connected her with a friend who would accept any purchase Burgin made against Van Buren’s credit.
Lastly, he included a ‘certificate’ which discussed her helpful treatment of other prisoners.
Although this did not have any specific benefit, it would have helped her earn the trust of fellow citizens of her new city.
Do you want to read about other Ancestors of Future Presidents?
Here you go:
Ezekiel Polk Teaches a President Politics
Sugar, Money and Revolution - Isaac Roosevelt Amasses a Fortune
Has this article peaked your interest in Benedict Arnold’s Navy?
I suggest you read the book of the same name which details the Battle of Valcour Island.
Pick it up through the Amazon affiliate link below:
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