HISTORY OF VERMONT. 151 



Edward. This detachment had proceeded but 

 a little way from the camp, before the sudden 

 appearance of the Americans in great force, 

 obhged Burgoyne to recall the escort that was 

 sent on ; and soon after, on a very slight attack 

 by a small party of the Americans, their provin- 

 cial guard of loyalists abandoned their post, and 

 left their workmen to shift for themselves ; hav- 

 ing done no more than to begin some repairs on 

 one of the bridges. 



Nothing was now wanting to complete the 

 reduction of the British army, but to cut off 

 their resources for provisions. These had 

 hitherto been brought to their camp by the 

 boats which had followed them along on Hud- 

 son's river from Stillwater to Saratoga ; burt 

 this resource had now failed. The eastern shore 

 of the river was lined with strong detachments 

 from the American army ; and the British bat- 

 teaux, loaded with provisions and other neces- 

 saries, were of course exposed to their continual 

 assaults, notwithstanding all the care that could 

 be taken. Many of them were taken by the A- 

 mericans, and a number of men were lost in the 

 skirmishes that took place on these occasions. 

 At length it was found that nothing more could 

 be effected this way j and whatever was attempt- 

 ed to be carried to the British, would not fail to 

 fall into the hands of the Americans. 



In circumstances so desperate, a council of 

 war was held, to consider of the practicability of 

 a retreat. The only measure that could be sup^ 

 posed to bear the appearance of possibility in 

 this respect, was to attempt to gain fort Edward 

 by a- night march, and to carry their provisions 



