HISTORY OF VERMONT. U$ 



Oneydas, Tuscaroras, Onondagoes, and Mo- 

 hawks, accepted of a war belt from the Ameri- 

 can commissioners, and about one hundred and 

 6fty of them came into the American camp.* 

 A great def^ertion from the royal camp also 

 took place a:mong the Canadians and American 

 loyalists ; and Burgoyne found that little or no 

 eonfidence could be placed in those who remain- 

 ed, any longer than success attended his army. 

 From the first appearance of difficulties, Bur- 

 goyne had a strong hope and expectation of be- 

 ing powerfully supported by the arrival of a Brit- 

 ish force at Albany, or at least by a large de- 

 tachment from the British army at New York. 

 He now received a letter in cypher from Sir Hen- 

 ry Clinton at New York, announcing his in- 

 tention of making a diversion on Hudson's riv- 

 er, by attacking fort Mongomcry and other for- 

 tresses', which were designed to guard the pas- 

 sage up the river to Albuny. This diversion, 

 though it fell sliort of what Burgoyne expected 

 and needed, yet it afforded him" some prospect 

 of relief ; at least it was hoped that it might 

 ^erve to alarm general Gates, and force him to 

 divide his army. The messenger was sent back 

 the next day, September the twenty second, to 

 Clinton ; two otiier officers were also dispatched 

 in disguise, and some other confidential persons 

 were also sent on by diffiirent routes, to acquaint 

 the British commander with his dangerous and- 

 critical situation ; and to urge him to the im- 

 mediate prosecution of his designs ; announcing 

 at the same time that h© should be able in the 

 ^ticle of provisions, and was fixed in his deter- 



