The Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolution, Vol. 1 (of 2): or, Illustrations, by Pen And Pencil, of the History, Biography, Scenery, Relics, and Traditions of the War for IndependenceLossing, Benson John
History
The Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolution, Vol. 1 (of 2): or, Illustrations, by Pen And Pencil, of the History, Biography, Scenery, Relics, and Traditions of the War for Independence
Lossing, Benson John
United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783
"The enemy were led to the battle by General Arnold, who distinguished
himself in an extraordinary manner." Allen, in his Biographical
Dictionary, says, "In the battle near Stillwater, September the 19th, he
conducted himself with his usual intrepidity, being engaged incessantly
for four hours." M'Farlane, ' in the Pictorial History of England, says,
"Gates's detachment, being re-enforced and led on by Arnold, fell upon
Burgoyne and the right wing." Again: "Arnold behaved with extraordinary
gallantry, but he could make an impression nowhere." Again: "Every time
that Arnold was beaten back, Gates sent him more men from the star
redoubt." The well-founded traditions of the vicinity support the
position that Arnold was actively engaged in the conflict, and a
knowledge of the locality is sufficient to cause a doubt of the
correctness of Wilkinson's statement.
Finally, Colonel Yarick, writing from camp to General Schuyler, three
days after the action, said, "He [Gates] seems to be piqued that
Arnold's division had the honor of beating the enemy on the 19th. This I
am certain of, that Arnold has all the credit of the action. And this I
further know, that Gates asked where the troops were going when
Scammel's battalion marched out, and, upon being told, he declared no
more troops should go; he would not suffer the camp to be exposed. Had
Gates complied with Arnold's repeated desires, he would have obtained a
general and complete victory over the enemy. But it is evident to me he
never intended to fight Burgoyne, till Arnold urged, begged, and
entreated him to do it." In another letter which he wrote to Schuyler,
about a month afterward, from Albany, Colonel Yarick observed, "During
Burgoyne's stay here, he gave Arnold great credit for his bravery and
military abilities, especially in the action of the 19th, whenever he
spoke of him, and once in the presence of Gates."
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