Saratoga

October 7 1777 Strategic Context The British look to strangle the American Revolution in 1777 by cutting off the more troublesome northeastern colonies from the others with converging attacks on Albany John Burgoyne is to march south from Quebec Barry St Leger is to march south from Lake Ontario and William Howe is to march north after capturing Philadelphia The plan quickly unravels however as Howe is diverted south to pursue George Washingtons army and St Leger is forced to retreat Burgoyne continues south anyways but is repulsed by Horatio Gates growing American army Burgoyne entrenches his army in the hopes Henry Clintons forces will march north to his aid The British lack supplies and are in a desperate situation Burgoyne proposes to turn the American left with 4000 men but his officers protest Instead Burgoyne sends 1500 men towards the American left as a reconnaissance in force to find weaknesses in the American line and forage The British maneuver is closely observed by the Americans

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