Page:History of the United States of America, Spencer, v1.djvu/532

500 and he prosecuted this work with persevering industry. Having, by un [sic]-unwearied exertions, collected provisions for thirty days, and constructed a bridge of boats over the Hudson, in place of the rafts which had been carried away by a flood, he made what proved to be, in the result, a fatal movement; he crossed the river on the 13th and 14th of September, and encamped on the heights and plains of Saratoga, twenty miles below Fort Edward, and thirty-seven above Albany.

Gates, who was now joined by all the continental troops destined for the northern department, and reinforced by considerable bodies of militia, left the strong position which Schuyler had taken at the confluence of the Mohawk with the Hudson, proceeded sixteen miles up the river toward the enemy, and by advice of the gallant Kosciusko, formed a strong camp at Behmus's Heights, near Still water. The two armies were only about twelve miles distant from each other; but the bridges between them were broken down, the roads were bad, and the country was covered with, woods; consequently the progress of the British army, encumbered by its fine train of artillery and numerous wagons, was slow, and it was attended with some skirmishing.

On the evening of the 17th, Burgoyne encamped within four miles of the American army, and spent the next day in repairing the bridges between the two camps, which he accomplished with some loss. About mid-day, on the 19th of September, he put himself at the head of the right win of his army, and advanced through the woods toward the left of the American camp; General Fraser and Colonel Breyman, with the grenadiers and light infantry, covered his right flank; and the Indians, loyalists, and Canadians, proceeded in front. The left wing and artillery, commanded by Generals Philips and Reidesel, proceeded along the main road near the river.

It would seem to have been Gates's plan, to remain on the defensive within his lines, but the ardor of the troops, and the impetuous daring of Arnold, led to his detaching Morgan, with his riflemen, who, after a spirited skirmish, drove back the Canadians and Indians upon the main body of the English. Fraser, meanwhile, was pushing onward as fast as the irregular and woody ground would permit, to turn the American left, when he was suddenly encountered by Arnold, who had planned a similar attack on him. The latter, with his accustomed bravery, led the men with shouts to the attack, but was at length driven back by Fraser. Rallying again, and joined by fresh reinforcements, he threatened to cut off Eraser's division from the main body; but Fraser parried this attempt, by bringing up new regiments, while Philips dispatched four pieces of light artillery to strengthen the point thus menaced. Thus the conflict was for a while suspended, but about three o'clock it raged with increased fury. The British artillery thundered upon the enemy, but from the closeness of the forest, produced but little effect. Their troops then advanced with the bayonet, driving the Americans within the woods, who