Background
In June 1777 British General John Burgoyne began an attempt to divide the rebellious United States in the American Revolutionary War by moving south from the British province of Quebec to gain control of the Hudson River valley, separating the New England states from those to the south. After his early success at Ticonderoga, his campaign had become bogged down in difficulties. Elements of the army had reached the Hudson as early as the end of July, but logistical and supply difficulties delayed the main army at Fort Edward. He then moved south, crossing the Hudson near Saratoga and approaching the fortified position that General Horatio Gates had established south of the village.
Read more about this topic: Van Alstyne's Regiment Of Militia
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