The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1920-03-02
SOME FACTS OF
THE PAST THAT
B00KSTELLUS
Observer Finds Many Fascinat-
ing and Little Understood
Versions Of American Histor-
icaI High Lights.

Last month | wrote about John
Fiske's histories in our library and
told how he had unearthed an explain
alton of Burgoyne's defeat at Sara
toga. 1t is generally conceded that
the battle of Saratoga was the ode
cisive'' one of the Revolutionary
war: for that reason the whole cam
paign of Burgoyne from Canada has
been carefully studied, and every
thing connected with it. 1t is we'll
known that in the Continental Con-
gress there was much pickering and
political wire-pulling; many of the
members were fiercely jealous of
Washington, not knowing the real
heart and mind of that great man;
and SO often as they dared strong
party opposed him, and disregarded
his wishes in the appointment Of gen
erals. Up to this time Benedict Ar
mold had made fine reputation as an
officer and leader and had the con
fidence of Washington. While Bur
goyne was coming down from Can
ada preparations were being made to
hinder and defeat him. and congress
appointed some new generals, p1ac-
ing Gates above some favored by
Washington, and leaving Arnold low
in the scale, although Washington de-
sired he should have important COM
mand in the army on the Hudson,
and did not have entire confidence in
Gates. Yet Arnold joined that army
hoping he might have some share in
its campaign, but Gates gave him no
command nor would he accept his ser
vices as volunteer
Schuyler of New York was not
brilliant, but had done we'll all requir-
ed of him, and knowing the whole re-
gion. and popular with its settlers, was
Washington's choice for chief com
mand with Arnold associated with
him. By reason of his rank Gates had
that command, and it is now generally
understood that he was wholly want
ing in high qualities of an officer, ex-
ccpt that of self-confidence and van
ity. But Schuyler, like the good pa
triot he was. accepted the subordi-
nate place and nobly performed his
duty. Another good officer who con-
tributed to the success of that cam
raign was Morgan of Virginia with
his rifle-men Gates had a great fear
of the regular soldiers of Bur-
goyne's army. and was cautious to
timidity. The record shows. that at
the critical hour in that final battle
Gates gave no commands, and subse-
quent revelations show that he was
just then in his quarters engaged in
a petty dispute. At that hour Arnold
was lingering around headquarters
hoping he might be allowed to share
in the fighting, which Gates had so
far surlily refused him.
Battle Surges Back and Forth
The tide of battle surged back and
forth and Gates gave no heed from an
outlook Arnold saw the critical situ-
alton, could no longer curb his impa
thence, mounted his horse and galloped
onto the field, to be welcomed with
shouts from the men by whom he was
we'll known 1t is conceded that he
turned the tide which won the battle
But Gates took all the credit, and he
was acclaimed the hero And a pop
ular song of that day said that "Bur-
goyne could cut his way through
woods and bars but not through
Gates"
OF course it was natural that after
Arnold's treachery all his good deeds
should be forgotten; but as time went
on and impartial history gathered the
evidence and weighed it, it had to be
conceded that up to his attempt to
sell West Point to the British he hat
been fine officer, and that his quick
discernment, intrepidity and fier,
dash had been the deciding make
weight which had won the battle o
Saratoga. When historians had 81
decided and the time had come t.
erect a monument on that battlefield
the question came up as to who's,
names should be inscribed on it.
One Niche Vacant
The four prominent officers of TIL
American army present at the battl
were Gates. Schuyler, Morgan an
Arnold, and the latter was believe
to have turned the scale for victory
but it was impossible to put his nam