tain an easier victory by
turning the right of the British army and enclosing them on all
sides; and seeing this, Burgoyne quitted his position and fell back to
Saratoga, where he found the passes towards the Canadian frontiers all
pre-occupied by the Americans, while the further banks of the river were
lined with troops, which, together with numerous batteaux, commanded the
navigation. No means of escape seemed left but by a rapid night-march
to Fort Edward; but before preparations were made for this it was
discovered that the fords at that place were occupied, and that the
high grounds between that fort and Fort George were everywhere secured.
Bur-goyne's situation was now desperate. The 13th of October had
arrived, and no tidings were heard of Clinton's diversion. Thus
unsupported, deserted by his Indian allies, worn down by a series of
incessant exertions, greatly reduced through repeated battles, and
invested by an army three times their number, and which was hourly
increasing, the British officers at length thought of capitulation.
There was no alternative, for their provisions were nearly spent;
and though the enemy declined battle, yet rifle and grape-shot were
continually pouring into the British camp. All hope of relief or of
extrication from danger fled; and a council-of-war being called, which
comprehended field-officers and captains, it was unanimously resolved to
capitulate, if it could be done on honourable terms. This was a
bitter step to take, but no other could be taken, and this message was
therefore sent by Major Kingston to General Gates:--"After having fought
you twice, Lieutenant-general Burgoyne has waited some days in his
present position, determined to try a third conflict against any force
you could bring against him. He is apprised of the superiority of your
numbers, and the disposition of your troops to impede his supplies, and
render his retreat a scene of carnage on both sides. In this situation,
he is impelled by humanity, and thinks himself justified, by established
principles and precedents of state and war, to spare the lives of brave
men upon honourable terms. Should Major-general Gates be inclined to
treat upon that idea, General Burgoyne would propose a cessation of
arms during the time necessary to communicate the preliminary terms, by
which, in any extremity, he and his army mean to abide." In reply, Gates
demanded that the British troops should ground their arms, and surrender
the