Background
Further information: Saratoga campaign and Siege of Fort StanwixIn June 1777, the British Army, under the command of General "Gentleman Johnny" John Burgoyne, launched a two-pronged attack from Quebec. Burgoyne's objective was to split New England from the other colonies by gaining control of New York's Hudson River valley. The main thrust came south across Lake Champlain under Burgoyne's command; the second thrust was led by Lieutenant Colonel Barry St. Leger, and was intended to come down the Mohawk River valley and meet Burgoyne's army near Albany.
St. Leger's expedition consisted of about 1,800 men that were a mix of British regulars, Hessian jägers from Hanau, Loyalists, Indians, and rangers. They traveled up the Saint Lawrence River and along the shore of Lake Ontario to the Oswego River, which they ascended to reach the Oneida Carry (present-day Rome, New York). There they began to besiege Fort Stanwix, the Continental Army post guarding the portage.
Read more about this topic: Battle Of Oriskany
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