The disasters at Bennington and on the Mohawk produced no disposition to abandon the enterprise and save his army.
{September 14.} [Sidenote: Burgoyne encamps on the heights of Saratoga.] It had now become necessary to recur to the slow and toilsome mode of obtaining supplies from fort George.

Having, with persevering labour, collected provision for thirty days in advance, he crossed the Hudson on the 13th and 14th of September, and encamped on the heights and plains of Saratoga, with a determination to decide the fate of the expedition in a general engagement.
General Gates, having been joined by all the continental troops destined for the northern department, and reinforced by large bodies of militia, had moved from his camp in the islands, and advanced to the neighbourhood of Stillwater.
[Sidenote: He attacks Gates at Stillwater.] {September 19.} The bridges between the two armies having been broken down, the roads being excessively bad, and the country covered with wood, the progress of the British army down the river was slow.

On the night of the 17th, Burgoyne encamped within four miles of the American army, and the next day was employed in repairing the bridges between the two camps.[85] In the morning of the 19th he advanced in full force towards the American left.

Morgan was immediately detached with his corps to observe the enemy, and to harass his front and flanks.

He fell in with a picket in front of the right wing, which he attacked with vivacity, and drove in upon the main body.