General Burgoyne should march down and take Ticonderoga and then proceed to Albany.

There he could meet a smaller force under Colonel St.Leger coming from Oswego and following the Mohawk River.

A third army under Sir William Howe could ascend the Hudson and meet Burgoyne and St.Leger at the general rendezvous--Albany.

It was a brave plan, and when Burgoyne started with his force of eight thousand men high hopes flushed the British hearts.

These hopes seemed to be confirmed when a month later Burgoyne took Ticonderoga.