"…It was impossible to sleep, even had we inclination to do so, from the cold and rain, and our only entertainment was the report of some popping shots heard…from the other side of the great river at our Battows."

"[Burgoyne's army was] a prey to want and hunger which then stared us fully in the face."

-Lt. William Digby (Frey, 104-105)

By October, the military threat of the American forces is nothing compared to the real and growing prospect of starvation. The cold, pouring rain that has been falling continuously for more than a month isn't doing much to help matters either. Your cold is only getting worse, and with only dry cakes and tiny morsels of meat to subsist on, prospects of recovery seem dim. (Frey, 103, 107)

General Burgoyne's depleted force is in the midsts hasty retreat toward Saratoga, having abandoned all ambitions towards Albany, only striving to keep healthy enough to hold out until provisions are replenished. Suddenly, the marches stop, and your conducting sergeant orders the regiment to dig in-fortify the encampment. It does not take long for word to spread that the rebels have cut off the road to Saratoga, and your poor regiment is surrounded. (Frey, 104-105)

With soldiers already weak and anxious, canteens begin to empty, and as American rifle fire prevents ac cess to the nearby river, a severe water shortage grips the camp. You are reduced to drinking thick, muddy water to stave off dehydration. With no hope of relief or escape, General Burgoyne and your proud army surrenders to the Americans on October 17th 1777, and withdraws from New York. (Barnett, 218)

Although some of your companions had given up, and more than a few have deserted, you have never felt a stronger sense of loyalty and cameraderie than at this time, having endured the humiliation of Saratoga. Despite the unbearable hardships-fatigue, hunger and sickness-your regiment has maintained discipline. The continued pride and semblance of morale is perhaps the only redeeming aspect of this disasterous operation; and the only quality that ensures the perseverance of the British forces through the grueling North American war.(Frey, 134-135)

Next: Death!