that that general had sent off a considerable part of
his army to Albany during the negotiations; that this
was contrary to good faith, and that he, Burgoyne,
would not sign the capitulation until an officer of his
staff should have inspected the American army to
assure himself that it was three or four times as large
as the English. Gates seems at last to have grown
tired of this fooling. He sent back word that his army
was quite as strong as it had been, and had moreover
received reinforcements; that he held it neither politic
nor for his honor, to show his army to one of
General Burgoyne's officers; and that that general had
better think twice what he did, before breaking his
word, as he would be held responsible for the
consequences. Gates added that he was ready to show
General Burgoyne his whole army as soon as the
articles of capitulation should be signed, and he assured
him that it was four times as large as the British,
without counting that part of it which was beyond
the Hudson. He was unwilling, however, to wait more
than an hour for an answer, and at the end of that
time should be forced to take the most severe measures.
The council was summoned for the last time; and no one was found to advise the general to break his word. Burgoyne called Phillips and Riedesel aside and begged for their friendly counsel. Both were silent for a time, and then Riedesel explained that if Burgoyne were held responsible in England, it could only be for the movements that had brought the army into such a position, and perhaps for first undertaking a capitulation, and because he had not retreated in time to be master of the line of communications
