Everett T. Tomlinson

“ You need not fear," called Robert mockingly as he rode swiftly away from the place. His sympathy for the unfortunate man was gone and he was disgusted that any one should have taken an opportunity, when the men doubtless had left their homes to engage in the struggle that was becoming narrower in its limits daily, and the girls and women had probably assembled to sew for the soldiers, to declare his distasteful opinions to the patriotic women. He had been treated as he justly deserved, and Robert assured himself that he had done more than could reasonably be expected of him. ”

“ General Schuyler had earnestly favored granting the request, and had been taunted in return by some of his fellow officers with a desire to weaken the army opposing John Burgoyne and so permit the British to win an easy victory. The taunt stung and hurt the noble man, but he was too much of a patriot to obtrude his own personal sufferings at such a crisis in his country's history, and so suffered in silence. However, Benedict Arnold and a little body of men as resolute as he at once started to the aid of the hard-pressed young colonel. ”

“ At once Han Yost's mother and brother made a great outcry. They came to the American leader, and with tears and entreaties besought that the half-wit might be spared. At the suggestion of Major Brooks, Arnold finally quietly arranged with the mother of the boy that Han Yost's brother should be retained and Han Yost be sent to spread the word among St. Leger's redcoats and Indians that a great force of patriots was advancing to the relief of Fort Stanwix. If Han Yost failed, then his brother was to suffer the penalty that had been determined upon for him. ”

“ Another source of the growing confidence in the ranks of the little American army was due to the bravery of young Colonel Gansevoort up in the Mohawk Valley. He had, by the aid of Benedict Arnold and his men, beaten back the army of redcoats and Indians that had advanced from Oswego and planned to sweep on down the valley until they had arrived at Albany, where they had confidently believed that John Burgoyne's victorious army would join them, and together they would meet the force which Howe or Clinton would send up the Hudson to their aid. ”

“ The result would be that the colonies would be cut asunder and the "rebellion" speedily be brought to an end.
Colonel Gansevoort had done his best in Fort Stanwix, which had been strengthened and renamed Fort Schuyler, but his force was insufficient to hold the place, his supplies were inadequate; and he had pitifully begged that men and supplies might be sent him from the army under Gates. ”