The country was generally much alarmed; and even the well affected discovered more inclination to take care of themselves than to join the army.

In this gloomy state of things, no officer could have exerted more diligence and skill than were displayed by Schuyler.
Having fixed his head quarters at fort Edward, he employed to the utmost advantage the short respite from action which Burgoyne unavoidably gave.

The country between Skeensborough and fort Edward was almost entirely unsettled, was covered with thick woods, and of a surface extremely rough, and much intersected with creeks and morasses.

Wood creek was navigable with batteaux as far as fort Anne; and military stores of every description might be transported up it.
He obstructed its navigation by sinking numerous impediments in its course, broke up the bridges, and rendered the roads impassable.

He was also indefatigable in driving the live stock out of the way, and in bringing from fort George to fort Edward, the ammunition and other military stores which had been deposited at that place.