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Rh much-needed provisions. The problem of supplies for his advancing army was already becoming a serious one for John Burgoyne. General Lincoln, with a resolute force of patriots, was stationed in the rear of the British, to cut off supplies from the north and to prevent any reinforcements breaking through to his aid. Before him was an army undisciplined but resolute, and daily becoming more determined. Not even the jealousies that were prevalent among its leaders or the pettiness of the little General Gates could entirely repress the feelings of the men, who were determined to do their utmost to drive back or at least hold back the invading army.

Another source of the growing confidence in the ranks of the little American army was due to the bravery of young Colonel Gansevoort up in the Mohawk Valley. He had, by the aid of Benedict Arnold and his men, beaten back the army of redcoats and Indians that had advanced from Oswego and planned to sweep on down the valley until they had arrived at Albany, where they had confidently believed that John Burgoyne's victorious army would join them, and together they would meet the force which Howe or Clinton would send up the Hudson to their aid. The result