the history of the world. It is true that the American Revolution
was saved by Washington in the remarkable Princeton and Trenton
campaign, but it is equally true that the surrender of Burgoyne
at Saratoga, in the following autumn, turned the scale decisively
in favor of the colonists by the impression which it made in
Europe. It was the destruction of Burgoyne's army which
determined France to aid the Americans against England. Hence
came the French alliance, the French troops, and, what was of far
more importance, a French fleet by which Washington was finally
able to get control of the sea, and in this way cut off
Cornwallis at Yorktown and bring the Revolution to a successful
close. That which led, however, more directly than anything else
to the final surrender at Saratoga was the fight at Bennington,
by which Burgoyne's army was severely crippled and weakened, and
by which also, the hardy militia of the North eastern States were
led to turn out in large numbers and join the army of Gates.

The English ministry had built great hopes upon Burgoyne's
expedition, and neither expense nor effort had been spared to
make it successful. He was amply furnished with money and
supplies as well as with English and German troops, the latter of
whom were bought from their wretched little princes by the
payment of generous subsidies. With an admirably equipped army of
over seven thousand men, and accompanied by a large force of
Indian allies, Burgoyne had started in May, 1777, from Canada.
His plan was to make his way by the lakes to the head waters of
the Hudson, and thence southward along the river to New York,
where he was to unite with Sir William Howe and the main army; in
this way cutting the colonies in two, and separating New England
from the rest of the country.