General Gates, who had remained in the camp all day, then made a move which is to his credit. Discovering, notwithstanding the heavy fog which had set in, the attempt of Burgoyne to recross the river, he sent out a force to prevent his escape. All the next day there was heavy skirmishing, and then the harassed Britisher, leaving his baggage and wounded, set out on a night march for Saratoga. On the ninth he encamped on the heights north of the Fishkill. The patriots pursued, and on the tenth arrived at the heights between Saratoga church and the river.
Then the fleeing general lost hope. His position was exposed to attack on all sides; the roads to the north were impassable, and the woods swarming with patriots. He had bread sufficient only for three days, and no water. Surrender seemed inevitable.
On the thirteenth he called together his officers for council. While they were deliberating grape-shot from the guns of the pursuers swept across the table around which they were seated. Possibly it hastened their decision. It was agreed to treat with the American commander for honorable surrender.
It required three days for the two commanders to agree upon terms, but on the sixteenth they were finally arranged, and on the seventeenth articles were signed permitting the British to march out with the honors of war, while on their part they surrendered artillery, arms, and ammunition, agreeing not to re-enter the king’s service during the war.
General Burgoyne on that afternoon, in the presence of the two armies, handed his sword to General Gates, who promptly returned it. Then the entire British army, numbering nearly six thousand, filed off toward Boston, from which port they were to embark for England.
The four young scouts watched the long line of prisoners as they filed away, and Dan asked:
“What do you s’pose the king will say when he sees them come marchin’ home?”
“That the bottom has fallen out of his plans,” Philip replied with a laugh.
“’Twon’t be so with our men,” Late added. “The news will put new fight in ’em, an’ they’ll lick every red-coat that comes their way.”
“An’ the rest of the world will think we mean business,” Joe added gleefully.
“I am confident it will secure for us the help of France, which means that we shall gain what we are fighting for—our national independence,” a voice behind them said.
Turning, the boys saw General Schuyler, who added: “In time to come, I believe, it will generally be acknowledged that this battle of Saratoga was one of the decisive battles of the world, and you, my lads, may be proud because in it you have borne an honorable and important part.”
“Hurrah!” they all shouted, filled with enthusiasm at the thought.
Two weeks later General Schuyler and his son stood in the presence of General Washington. During an hour they had been with him discussing the details of the northern campaign, and now had arisen to depart. Taking the father by the hand the brave commander-in-chief of the American forces said:
“Never forget, sir, that at no time have I lost confidence in you, and I shall not rest until I have secured your full vindication at the hands of Congress.”
Then turning to the son he added:
“The part you have played in this notable victory has proved, my lad, that you are the worthy son of a worthy sire. In my report to the Congressional committee I shall recommend that you be given a captain’s commission.”
“And what for my three comrades?” the young scout asked eagerly. “I assure you they never once failed me, and two of them risked their lives to save me from death. The other would have been with them in that undertaking had not his duty called him elsewhere. If need be, give me nothing, but bestow on them some evidence that you appreciate their faithful work.”
“I leave it for their captain to make them warrant officers in his own command,” was the smiling reply.
“They shall have, then, the highest places I can give them,” Phil said stoutly, “and I can safely promise that you will hear good tidings from them.”
A promise which was made good under General Lincoln when he took command of the army in the south.
THE END.
[1]Major General Philip Schuyler, at this time commander of the army of the north, with headquarters at Fort Edwards, N. Y.[2]Major General Arthur St. Clair, at this time commander of Fort Ticonderoga.[3]Also called Mount Independence and Mount Defiance.[4]Afterwards called Fort Schuyler. It was situated near the present city of Rome, N. Y.[5]Joseph Brant, a Mohawk chief, who had been educated in England. His Indian name was Thayendanegea.[6]Major-general Horatio Gates, he came from New England to succeed General Schuyler, but his estate was in Virginia.[7]A little later Captain Brant with three hundred of his warriors swept through Mohawk valley committing some of the greatest atrocities of the war.
[1]Major General Philip Schuyler, at this time commander of the army of the north, with headquarters at Fort Edwards, N. Y.
[2]Major General Arthur St. Clair, at this time commander of Fort Ticonderoga.
[3]Also called Mount Independence and Mount Defiance.
[4]Afterwards called Fort Schuyler. It was situated near the present city of Rome, N. Y.
[5]Joseph Brant, a Mohawk chief, who had been educated in England. His Indian name was Thayendanegea.
[6]Major-general Horatio Gates, he came from New England to succeed General Schuyler, but his estate was in Virginia.
[7]A little later Captain Brant with three hundred of his warriors swept through Mohawk valley committing some of the greatest atrocities of the war.
By HERBERT CARTER
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(Registered in the United States Patent Office)By HORACE PORTER
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A series of stories of two American boy aviators in the great European war zone. The fascinating life in mid-air is thrillingly described. The boys have many exciting adventures, and the narratives of their numerous escapes make up a series of wonderfully interesting stories.
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