138 NATURAL AND CIVIL 



general Burgoyne, Washington, m the lowest 

 state of American affars, derived a hope that the 

 Ahierican generals might eventually avail them- 

 selves of some real advantages. In a letter to 

 general Schuyler, of July the fifteenth, he wrote 

 thus, '* The evacuation of Ticondcroga and 

 ' Mount Independence, is an event of chagrin 



* and surprise not apprehended, nor within the 

 ' compass of my reasoning. This stroke is se- 



* vere indeed, and has distressed us much. But 

 ^ notwithstanding things at present wear a dark 

 ^ and glooniy aspect^ I hope a spirited opposi- 

 ' tion will check the progress of general Bur- 

 ■ goyne's arms, and that the confidence derived 



* from success will hurry him into measures,- 



* that will in their consequences be favorable to 



* us. We should never despair." ' In answer 

 to a letter announcing to him with what rapidity 

 Burgoyne had subdued the northern parts, and 

 Established his posts at Castleton, Skeensbo- 

 rough, lake George and fort Anne, Washington 

 ■wrote again to Schuyler, on July the seven- 

 teenth ; " Though our aifairs have for some 



* days past, worn a dark and gloomy aspect, I 



* yet. look forward to a fortunate and happy 



* change. I trust general Burgoyne's army will 

 ' meet sooner or later an effectual check ; and, 



* as I suggested before, that the success he has 



* had will precipitate his ruin. From your ac- 



* counts, he appears to be pursuing that line of 



* conduct, which of all others is most favorable 



* to us. I mean acting in detachment. This 

 ' conduct will certainly give room for enterprise 



* on our part, and expose his parties to great 

 ' hazard. Could we be so happy as to cut one 



