The First Awkward Expedition

Initially, despite some early logistical problems, the British forces were in good condition and by 30 June occupied the undefended Fort Crown Point. As he had planned, General Burgoyne acquired approximately 500 indians en route to provide scouting and intelligence functions within his expedition. On 2 July, his army began efforts to overtake Fort Ticonderoga, held by a small garrison under the command of General Arthur St. Clair. He was ordered by General Philip Schuyler to hold as long as possible, but the British quickly took the advantage and by 6 July General St. Clair had ordered a complete withdrawal. General Burgoyne’s troops pursued the retreating army, and several small battles ensued over the following days, including the Battle of Hubbardton and Battle of Fort Anne. When it was all finished, the British had received around 200 casualties. After leaving contingent forces at Fort Crown Point and Fort Ticonderoga, General Burgoyne’s army continued moving towards its destination, arriving at Skenesboro on 24 July. Here he acquired an additional 500 indians. They had proven invaluable in not only scouting ahead of the main …show more content…
Travelling across the wilderness terrain had proven more difficult than anticipated, with a lack of carts, wagons and draft animals causing the logistics train to be lagging behind the main force. Following the loss of Fort Ticonderoga, the remaining rebel forces under General Schuyler had gathered at Fort Edward, some 40 miles south. Determined to harass and impede the larger British army, they caused havoc with the British troop movements by felling trees, burning bridges and slowing their progress to a crawl. The army arrived at Fort Edward on 29 July, but the rebel troops had already retreated. With the unexpected delays and problems moving supplies, the army was beginning to run low on material and