An army, which had spread terror and dismay in every direction, which had, previously, experienced no reverse of fortune, was considered as already beaten; and the opinion became common, that the appearance of the great body of the people in arms, would secure the emancipation of their country.

It was too an advantage of no inconsiderable importance resulting from this change of public opinion, that the disaffected became timid, and the wavering who, had the torrent of success continued, would have made a merit of contributing their aid to the victor, were no longer disposed to put themselves and their fortunes in hazard, to support an army whose fate was so uncertain.
The barbarities which had been perpetrated by the Indians belonging to the invading armies, excited still more resentment than terror.

As the prospect of revenge began to open, their effect became the more apparent; and their influence on the royal cause was the more sensibly felt because they had been indiscriminate.
[Sidenote: The murder of Miss M'Crea.] The murder of Miss M'Crea passed through all the papers of the continent: and the story, being retouched by the hand of more than one master, excited a peculiar degree of sensibility.[83] But there were other causes of still greater influence in producing the events which afterwards took place.

The last reinforcements of continental troops arrived in camp about this time, and added both courage and strength to the army.

The harvest, which had detained the northern militia upon their farms, was over; and General Schuyler, whose continued and eminent services had not exempted him from the imputation of being a traitor, was succeeded by General Gates, who possessed a large share of the public confidence.
[Footnote 83: See note No.IX.at the end of the volume.] [Sidenote: General Gates takes command of the Northern Army.] When Schuyler was directed by congress to resume the command of the northern department, Gates withdrew himself from it.