Chapter XIV.
SARATOGA, OCTOBER 11TH TO 16TH, 1777.
At the camp north of the Fishkill Burgoyne halted,
and never resumed his march. Lieutenant-colonel
Southerland was sent forward to build a bridge across
the Hudson near Fort Edward, but was presently
recalled. At daybreak on the 11th a brigade of Americans
made a dash across the Fishkill, seized all the
boats and much of the stores, took a few prisoners,
and retreated before a brisk fire of grape-shot. All
day long the English army was cannonaded from front
and rear.
In the evening General Burgoyne summoned Generals Riedesel and Phillips to consult with him on the situation of the army. Burgoyne himself held it impossible to attack the enemy, or to maintain his own position if attacked in the centre or on the right wing. General Riedesel thereupon proposed to retreat in the night, abandoning the baggage, fording the Hudson four miles below Fort Edward, and making through the woods for Fort George. No decision was reached, however.
Another council was held on the following afternoon, two brigadier-generals being admitted to it. General Riedesel insisted on his plan of the day before, “very emphatically, and with hard words,” and
