first flag had been hastily patched together from a white shirt, a blue jacket, and a red flannel petticoat.

269. The Battle of Bennington. Burgoyne, on learning that the Americans had stored some provisions and military sup

plies at the village of Bennington, Vermont, dispatched a force to capture them. General Stark, with the New Hampshire militia, met the British at Bennington and defeated them (August). To animate his soldiers, General Stark, before the opening of the battle, appealing to their sympathies, exclaimed:

"My fellow soldiers, we must conquer today or Molly Stark is a widow."

270. The Battle of Bemis Heights. Burgoyne now found himself hemmed in by the rapidly increasing American forces under General Gates, who had superseded Schuyler. He crossed the Hudson and struggled slowly onward down the west bank of the river toward the Mohawk, hoping against hope to hear from either Howe or St. Leger. He met the Americans under Arnold and Morgan in the desperate battle at Bemis Heights (September). The battle was undecided, but was followed by the utter defeat of the British at Stillwater, a little to the south of Bemis Heights.

Gates took no direct part in these battles and was not actually present on the field of either. He was a vain, weak general of little ability, and the action of Congress in displacing General Schuyler, against the wishes of Washington, has been generally considered unwise.

271. Burgoyne's Surrender at Saratoga-Results. The American forces, step by step, drove Burgoyne back to Saratoga, where, cut off from all supplies and almost completely surrounded by the American army, he surrendered to General Gates on October 17, after a desperate battle. His army of six thousand men laid down their arms.

Though the surrender was made to General Gates, the credit of the momentous victory belonged, first, to General Schuyler, because of his previous plans wisely laid for managing the campaign, and next, to the gallant leadership of Arnold and Morgan. Though deprived of his command by Gates, Arnold, while watching the progress of the battle, could not restrain himself. Hastily mounting his steed, he dashed to the head of his troops, and led them to victory. The terms of the surrender were embodied in an agreement known as the Saratoga Convention. According to this, the British troops were to march to Boston and there embark on transports furnished by the British government, on condition that they should not again

serve in North America until exchanged. Congress repudiated this agreement and held the troops as prisoners.

The surrender of General Burgoyne proved to be the turning point of the war:

(a) it completely broke up the English plans for the war; (b) it influenced France to recognize American independence and thus secured for the colonies the aid of England's old and powerful enemy;

(c) it inspired the American patriots with hope and confidence. 272. The Articles of Confederation. At the same time that the Declaration of Independence was framed, a committee had been appointed to draw up a plan of government for the new nation. This plan, called the Articles of Confederation, was adopted by Congress (1777) and by the State Assemblies (1776-1781). By these Articles, or laws, the colonies were governed from 1781 to the adoption of the Constitution (1789).

273. The Hardships at Valley Forge. The second period of the war is distinguished chiefly for two facts; namely, France entered into an alliance with the Americans; and the war was carried on chiefly in the south and in a more aggressive manner.

While Howe and his soldiers were having an enjoyable time in their winter quarters at Philadelphia, Washington and his army at Valley Forge were bravely struggling through the gloomiest season of the war. Owing to mismanagement by Congress and the Commissary Department, the soldiers were poorly fed, clad, and housed, although there were provisions lying unused at various places. But amidst all the untold sufferings of that terrible winter Washington's sublime courage inspired those about him. He finally succeeded in enlisting many regiments to serve during the entire war. These were called Continentals, and Baron Steuben taught these crude warriors the fine maneuvers of the soldiers of the Prussian army and the skillful use of the bayonet. Thus, by spring,

these disorderly recruits were transformed into a well-disciplined army.

A touching story is told of Washington at Valley Forge. One day while Mr. Potts, Washington's host, passed through the woods, his attention was attracted by the sound of an earnest voice. Upon approaching, Potts discovered the sorrow-burdened commander-in-chief on his knees, praying with tearful eyes. Potts related the incident to his wife, adding, "Under such a commander, the Americans will surely secure their independence."

274. The Conway Cabal. To add to Washington's trials at Valley Forge, a conspiracy was formed against him. His "Fabian policy" did not fail to call forth the criticism of jealous and ambitious characters, who, envious of his fame, endeavored to have him removed from the army and to have Gates supersede him. The movement, known as the Conway Cabal, from one of its leaders, not only proved a failure in its purpose, but served rather to raise Washington higher than ever in the esteem of his countrymen and to place him stronger than ever in his position. Later Conway wrote Washington a letter expressing sorrow for what he had done.

275. Foreign Aid. Silas Deane, sent to Paris (1776) to urge an alliance with France, was joined by Benjamin Franklin and Arthur Lee after the Declaration of Independence. Not until hearing of the brilliant victory at Saratoga did King Louis XVI yield. France now recognized the United States as an independent power, and, entering into an alliance, sent troops and a fleet to aid the Americans, in return for their pledge not to make peace with England until she had acknowledged their independence (February). This caused war between France and England. France was persuaded to form an alliance with America largely through the able efforts of Benjamin Franklin. Though already seventy years of age, his wonderful intellect, as also his reputation as a scientist, and his simple, straightforward manner charmed the French people. In admiration