The New York herald., 1877-09-20

paravely fortunate escape for tho British, for de-
iermned and irresistible was the attack OF Stark's
men that night alone saved the remnant Of Colonel
Baum's expedition after their leader had fallen.
| TUE STIRRING SEPTEMBER, l777.
It might well be supposed that so disastrous re-
pulse, proving as did, the metal Of the patriotic men
who were ngnting for home snd freedom. would have
| discouraged the advance OF Burgoyne's forces yet
further into the wild and perlous hostile country,
where he had found no shadow OF that sympathy with
the loyalist which he had taught 10 expect
would swell bis ranks and especially his supplies as
| he followed down tho line OF the Hudson. But Bur-
goyne was man OF a peculiar mould Sefreilants
fearless and confident the supposed superior
iy Of his troops, he would scarcely be dis
couraged, much less dismaysd. Tho failure OF ST.
Leaers expedition had deprived him OF the hope OF
union with the British army OF the Mohawk Valley,
but he resolved to strike for junction with the troops
which he had entreatcd might be despatched from
New York. Collecting provisions for thirty days
march, he pressed steadily forward until he reached
the Batten Kill tho east side Of tho Hudson River,
Schu ylervlle. where no encampcd the night
OF September II. Two days after Burgoyne's ar
rival at tho Batten Kill the whole British army had
crossed to the west side of the Hudson bridge Of
boats, less than two miles above tho Fish XII
and old Saratoga On the night OF the 14ih
OF September the army rested on the north side
OF the Fish KILL in sight OF old Saratoga which lay on
the south sde ana the enoampment occupied the very
ground which only month later Burgoync sur.
rendered his sword TO the American commander.
But while the British general thus resolved to
push on his advance he did not neglect those prccau
tons demanded by the peril OF his position. Rigid
orders issued which betrayed the anxiety OF the
commander The corps wore to move In such state
rs TO be t for instant action Pickets and guards
to be under arms an hour before daylight On the
morning o the 10Th the army marched in three columns
past Schuycrs house. and took the Fort Miller road to
Dovegat, village about three miles south OF old
Saratoga, now called Covevile. A pause was here
necessary before the contemplated march 10 Saltwater
was resumed during which time bridges repaired
and the necessary preparations perfected for the
Of the artillery and baggage. On the 18th
the march resumed and the army proceeded by
the TO the ground selected for the British
camp preparatory 10 the attack the American post
tion at Bemus Heights, about two miles south. Here
tho precautionary measures redoubed any strag-
Cling beyond the advance sentries OF the army benz
punished by hanging the ofYcnder all drum beating
and trumpet sounding being hushed and tho troops
being required to lie accoutred and be under arms
before daypreak. The British wore taxing their final
breathing spell before the hard work Of tho coming
struggle. The headquarters Of General Burgoyne were
then Swords house, in the OF tho camp, and
near what is now known Van Burcns ferry
THE PATRIOTS PREPARING FOR THE STRUGGLE.
The Americans their side had not been Idle since
the famous victory by Stark at Bennington, and
in good condition TO give battle to the enemy
Tho Bennington affair had, indeed so inspirted them
raised the hopes Of the whoc country that the
ranks of the army OF the North had been rapidly
sweied and General Schuyler had been Induced to de-
eide on active measures meet the advancing enemy.
But Congress did approve the operations OF Gen.
was removed from command and General Gates
designated to superscde him. Tho American army
was thereupon moved back 10 Saltwater, 10 accord
ance with OF Congress, and Kosciusko was
deputed by General Gates TO view the ground and TO
select desirable position for the advance camp A
great oil sympathy has been expressed for General
Schuyler and the action Of Congress In deprving him
Of his command at so critical o moment has been
sometimes severely criticised. But II ever
justified by its results 1t SO in this instance.
The position of the American camp was naturally
strong one but It's strength was Increased by the
labors of the men, Earthworks were thrown across
the narrow strip OF land between the spur Of hills
and the rver covering the old river road and bridge
OF boats communicating with the cast side OF tho
Hudson. Breastworks were raised portions Of the
heights and redoubts established at desirable
points So nature ana art combined to render tho
American position one easy to hold aud difncut to
reduce. General Gates headquarters were on the
hill in the OF "Fort Nelson" which was lorti
fed log front Of the breaAworks, and next to
a building used as a hospital Tho headquarters OF
General Arnold, General Poor and Colonel Morgan
were between those of General Morgan and Fort Nell
THE DECISIVE FREEDOM
Thus for two days, the army Of liberty and the army
OF oppression stood face to face, the one composed
wholly O. patriots Ared with the worthy ambition OF
winning freedom and nationally, whose true hearts
we're In the for which their stout arms
ready to strke tho other madc up Of British and Ca
madam troops, German allies and savage Indians fight.
ing tor pay, although brave men tor the part
belicviug through education, that right their
side. Between the hostile cam ps stretcn Of broken
country, woods and ravnes but these natural antago
nsts could not long remain their chosen positions
Shortly before noon, on the 19th of September, tho
British army moved forward for the attack. Then
commenced a battle which, for Stubborn fight
ing both sides, but especially for the DASH
ing valor of the American troops has scarcely
its superior IN history. Tho advance OF The British
right was led by Frazer of the left by
General Riedesel. While in the centre was Burgoyno
with the English regiments, the Canadians and ndIans
IN advance Frszer's route lay through the woods,
and his OBJECT to get In the rear OF the American
ei and, If possible to cut of and destroy Gates lott
wing But he destined to meet men pre- emf
nenty brilliant action, the very flower 0! patriot
chivalry, Arnold and Morgan, two leaders who In
sp,red their troops with almost supcrnuman daring
General Gates evinced intention OF meeting the
OF The British, and rather to DO DIS
posed awai, their attack within mis- lines Had
be done so the movement Of Frazer tho British
right night havo oeen SUCCESS, and. At all events,
the decisive check gwen to the enemy and
! bee q II
But the earnest opportunities OF Arnold, Morgan
and others OF his officers, ana the impauence of
the men. prevailed upon him consen. to an attack
supposed to be intended TO drive back Indians who
were in advnnce OF the Brush forces, but which was
PROBABLY designed by its leaders grow INTO moro I'm.
portant DIMENSIONS Al oil events the fret
ting, eager patriots, who burned to meet
the British troops. let loose. Morgan
led tho way with his r.femen. So impcluous