ith 2000 men, at
the suggestion of Arnold, now adopted a scheme likely to reduce Burgoyne
to the stern necessity of an unconditional surrender. A considerable
body of New England militia, who had assembled in the rear of Burgoyne's
forces, were sent to surprise Ticonderago, Mount Independence, and
Fort George, and to cut Burgoyne off from all supplies, and even from a
retreat to Canada. Colonel Brown, to whom this enterprise was entrusted,
failed in his main designs; but he destroyed some vessels which were
bringing provisions to Burgoyne, and then returned to his former station
in the rear of the enemy. Other American forces also collected between
the British army and the Lakes. Burgoyne's difficulties increased daily.
The red-men, who had hitherto remained with him, now deserted, while the
Canadians and loyal Americans in his army lost all courage. But what
was worse than all, his provisions began to fail, while his horses were
perishing for want of forage. No tidings were yet heard of Clinton's
diversion; and rendered desperate by his situation, Burgoyne resolved
to attempt dislodging Gates from his position. Accordingly, he advanced
forward with 1,500 men and a considerable body of artillery; but this
detachment had scarcely formed within half a mile of the American
intrenchments when they were attacked by a superior force, under Arnold,
and driven back to their camp, with the loss of six pieces of cannon.
From being assailed, the Americans now became the assailants. A furious
assault was made on the British lines; and though it was repulsed on the
English side of the camp, and Arnold was wounded, yet the intrenchments
on the German side of the camp were carried, and two hundred prisoners,
with a large supply of ammunition, were captured. Night closed on the
scene of carnage, and Lieutenant-colonel Brooks, who had defeated the
Germans, kept the ground he had won within the line of the British
intrenchments. In the engagement, General Frazer and Colonel Breyman
were mortally wounded; and on the following morning Burgoyne,
disheartened by this loss, removed his whole army, with their artillery
and baggage, to some heights above the bank of the Hudson, extending his
right up that river. In doing so, he left his wounded to the humanity of
General Gates and his army--a confidence which was not misplaced.

In his new position Burgoyne repeatedly offered battle to the enemy, but
without effect. The design of Gates was to ob