Opening Moves

This chapter sets the political, strategic, and operational context for the Saratoga campaign. Many of the key personalities are introduced to the reader including General Sir William Howe, Admiral Lord Richard Howe, General Sir Guy Carleton, General George Washington, Major General Horatio Gates, Major General Philip Schuyler, and Major General Benedict Arnold. This chapter also covers the American Revolution’s initial military operations including the battles and siege of Boston, the battles on Long Island and Manhattan, and the failed American invasion of Canada, including the attack on and siege of Quebec. The chapter concludes with Washington’s twin victories at Trenton and Princeton and his adoption of a modified Fabian military strategy.

Oriskany and Relief

This chapter discusses the horrific Battle of Oriskany and the lifting of the siege of Fort Stanwix. Not long after St. Leger and his force arrived at Fort Stanwix and began the siege, a column of Tryon County militia led by Nicolas Herkimer marched to help relieve the fort and its garrison. But they were ambushed by a detachment of Indians, led by the charismatic Indian leader Joseph Brant and troops from St. Leger’s army and the resulting battle was one the bloodiest of the American Revolution by a percentage of numbers engaged. Despite the failure of the militia to relieve the fort, the garrison held out until a detachment from the main army led by Benedict Arnold was dispatched to aid the fort. Upon learning of this approaching column, St. Leger ended his siege and returned to Canada, thus this important part of Burgoyne’s overall plan was thwarted.