Page:History of the United States of America, Spencer, v1.djvu/530

498 a short time before had appeared to be sweeping every obstacle from its path, on the high road to victory.

Before these important successes had materially changed the face of affairs, Congress had taken a step which was as ungracious as it was unjust towards one of the bravest and most patriotic officers in the American army. Owing to several causes, the New England members were bitterly prejudiced against General Schuyler, and the rapid progress of Burgoyne at the beginning if the campaign raised quite a clamor against the commander of the northern army. Through the influence of Schuyler's enemies and the well understood wishes of Gates to be placed in command, Congress, on the 4th of August, voted to supersede Schuyler, and elevate Gates to the post of honor. This happening just at the time when it was evident that Burgoyne's career was about to be effectually stopped, was especially aggravating; and Schuyler felt acutely, as every honorable man must feel under such circumstances, the disgrace of being displaced at this critical moment. "It is," said he, writing to Washington, "matter of extreme chagrin to me to be deprived of the command at a time, when soon, if ever, we shall be enabled to face the enemy; when we are on the point of taking ground where they must attack to a disadvantage, should our force be inadequate to facing them in the field; when an opportunity will, in all probability, occur, in which I might evince that I am not what Congress have too plainly insinuated in taking the command from me." Marshall gives it as his opinion that Schuyler's "removal from the command was probably severe and unjust as respected himself, but perhaps wise as respected America. The frontier towards the lakes was to be defended by the troops of New England; and however unfounded their prejudices against him might be, it was prudent to consult them."

Gates, who arrived on the 19th of August, found every thing in capital condition for successfully carrying on the campaign. Fresh troops had come in, and the people on all sides, the harvesting having just been completed, were ready to join the army. Schuyler, too, rising superior to all personal considerations, intermitted no activity, and receiving Gates with that high-toned courtesy, peculiar to gentlemen of the old school, he said to him: "I have done all that could be done, as far as the means were in my power, to inspire confidence in the soldiers of our own army, and I flatter myself with some success, but the palm of victory is denied me, and it is left to you, general, to reap the fruits of my labors. I will not fail, however, to second your views, and my devotion to my country will cause me with alacrity to obey all your orders."

Soon after Gates entered upon the command, he had a brief, and by no means pleasant correspondence with Burgoyne. On the 30th of August, the British general complained of the harsh treatment experienced by the loyalists who had been made prisoners at Bennington, and hinted at retaliation. On the 2d of September, Gates