The Lost Schuyler

Chapter 4

September 18th, 1777

    Angela's troops stayed hidden in the abandoned farm of John Freeman. There was word that British General John Burgoyne was going to be arriving on their route tomorrow. They set up camp with the help of General Gates, the only other battalion that was already set up in Saratoga.

Angela immediately ordered troops to hold position and keep an eye on the route to and from Albany. The said troops alternated amongst each other so they can all have their breaks. Surprisingly, the redcoats didn't decide to make an early ambush like last week. Angela still couldn't help the worrisome thoughts that got past her ancestors' encouraging pep-talks. What if she didn't make it out alive? Will she ever see her family again? She hasn't even met Thomas Jefferson yet!
    Angela was pulled from her thoughts when someone grabbed her shoulder. She jolted up and quickly turned around to General Gates with a warm smile on his face. "I know what you're thinking." Gates said with a sweet tone "You're nervous that you won't make it back to your family let alone to the new camp, but I want you to know that I believe in you." Angela couldn't help but smile at his words. General Gates reminded of Washington, well, then again, he's around him 24/7 so it's probably rubbing off on him.

Night soon fell and Angela felt anxious for the following day. When will the British be arriving? Oh, how Angela wished she knew the exact time. You see, the thing about Angela was that she's a perfectionist and wants everything to be prepared and ready for what's to come. Planned or not. She tossed and turned, buried in her wool blanket that Laurens packed in Magnet's saddle-bag. Angela soon fell asleep to the silent sound of wind rustling the trees.

It was the crack of dawn when Angela was woken up by General Gates. "Cmon, Allen. We can't wait until they actually get here to get ready." Angela sprang out of her blanket and immediately got into position with her musket, behind the old barrels in the middle of the field.  "These people really think they can take my hometown well they're wrong. Come at me, lobsters. I'll be waiting." Angela muttered, not letting the route leave her sight.

The soldiers heard distant yelling and muffled footsteps. "Don't shoot immediately. We're limited on ammo so wait until you're sure that your shot will kill them before you decide to shoot." General Gates ordered as he too got in position beside Angela.

Angela could see British General John Burgoyne as he loudly ordered his troops to keep marching. You don't know how hard it was to not just shoot him then and there, but she knew that her shot probably wouldn't have landed.

General Gates shot first. Angela's ears started ringing but she didn't let that faze her. She started shooting the British soldiers she could see through all the smoke. Fewer shots landing than not. Soon, she grabbed a sword and ran into the midst of the battle, stabbing anyone who came close to her.

Next to her, she saw her troops being shot down. The British had called in the Hessians. Angela began to help up as many soldiers as she could before screaming "RETREAT!" General Gates followed her lead and helped organize a safe and orderly retreat.

The Americans finally got out of the British's sight and out of danger. General Gates ordered that everyone was treated by the medic that came with them. The battalion ended up having to stay in a hidden, wooded area. "No, Arnold. You're not going. Did you see what happened out there?! You nearly died and you're not about to nearly die again." Angela couldn't help but overhear the argument that her general had with a soldier. "General Gates, we can still stop them. We can delay their march to Albany if we just try." General Gates shook his head. "I forbid you from going there." Gates announced with a stern, dark voice.

Angela could see Arnold's frustration. It was a sunny afternoon and soldiers were still getting treated. Gates was right, we nearly got demolished. Arnold's frustration reminded her too much of Hamilton and Lafayette when Washington refused to give them a command. It was like Deja vu.

    Angela left the scene of the argument and started to help set up camp for the second time. She helped set up makeshift tents, cook makeshift dinner, and keep a lookout for any British forces trying to finish the job. Angela found out from Gates that we apparently stopped or at least delayed their push to Albany. Angela couldn't help the sigh of relief. She also found out that they had backup coming. Including Laurens.

    Night soon arrived and most of the soldiers were happily sleeping. Angela still had trouble sleeping at night, she suddenly heard muffled voices and distant footsteps. She thought it was British troops so she went to check it out. What she didn't expect to see was Arnold commanding his battalion and leading them away from the second camp they've made this month. Angela was confused 'I swear I heard Gates rid him of his command but I guess He has other plans.' Angela thought. She got Magnet from the tree he was tied around and hopped on. "Ok, boy. Follow them and don't let them out your sight, ok?" Angela may have seemed crazy for talking to her horse but she just thought it built bonds. Magnet made a noise of approval before galloping on Angela's command.

    It was still early in the night when they reached a heavily wooded area. Angela recognized this place, they were in Bemis Heights. The exact place Gates told Arnold NOT to go to. She slowly merged in with the battalion and was able to act like she was supposed to be there. They started to set up camp. Though Angela thought this was a bad idea, if Arnold's plan was going to be successful she might as well make it easier by helping out.

    She began by helping soldiers make a makeshift camp, helped make a fire, helped store their food, cooked for the second time that night. Angela wasn't sure if it was just how loud Arnold talked or how nosy she naturally was, but he can't seem to not eavesdrop on Arnold's conversation. "Gates' backup came. Apparently British forces will be sent here." Angela didn't know Arnold was talking to. All she knew was that she should've stayed back at the other camp.