Sir William Howe soon felt the increasing difficulties of his situation, and began to prepare his plans for their forcible removal. Works were erected against Fort Mifflin, which produced severe conflicts with Colonel Samuel Smith, who commanded the station. Lord Howe came up the river, with his ships of war and transports, and anchored from New Castle to Reedy Island; some frigates being detached, in advance, to remove the _chevaux de frise_ that encumbered the channel. Considerable difficulties were encountered in effecting this object, so that the obstructions below Mud Island were not cleared until the middle of October, while those, covered by the American guns, were yet untouched. The capture of the forts was, therefore, the next object, and it was accordingly attempted by a combined attack on land and water. The importance to the British of effecting the reduction of these forts, brought into requisition every possible means. On the other hand, the most determined resistance was made for their defence; but, at length, the Americans were obliged to yield them up to superior force; in consequence of which, Sir William Howe was fully secured in his conquest of Philadelphia, and in the possession of an uninterrupted communication between his army and fleet. The occupation of Philadelphia by the British, was to them an important movement. Washington deeply regretted the success of the enterprise by which it fell into their hands; but he had no occasion to reproach himself in view of the event. He had taken every precaution, and made every effort to prevent the loss of so important a place. But the benefits anticipated by the British, were scarcely realized. The prospects of the Americans were, after all, growing brighter, and events were hastening on, which were to make those prospects brighter still. [Illustration] X. SURRENDER OF BURGOYNE. BRITISH project for securing the command of the Hudson, between New York and Albany--Intrusted to Generals Howe and Burgoyne--The latter leaves Canada with a strong Force--Invests and takes Crown Point and Ticonderoga--Affair of Skenesborough--Fort Edward abandoned--Retreat of Americans to Stillwater--Battle of Bennington--General Gates supersedes General Schuyler--Critical condition of Burgoyne--Burgoyne advances upon Saratoga--Battle of Saratoga--Battle of Stillwater--Burgoyne retreats--Pursued by the Americans--Capitulates--Public rejoicings. Events of deep interest transpiring in the north, must divert our attention for a time, from the military operations of the middle states.