side. The German division under General Riedesel occupied the eastern
bank of the channel and sent forward a detachment to the vicinity of
the rivulet which flows from Mount Independence. Burgoyne now labored
assiduously in bringing forward his artillery and completing his
communications. On the 5th of the month (July, 1777) he caused Sugar
Hill to be examined, and being informed that the ascent, though
difficult, was not impracticable, he immediately resolved to take
possession of it and proceeded with such activity in raising works and
mounting guns upon it that his battery might have been opened on the
garrison next day.

These operations received no check from the besieged, because, as it
has been alleged, they were not in a condition to give any. St. Clair
was now nearly surrounded. Only the space between the stream which
flows from Mount Independence and South river remained open, and that
was to be occupied next day.

In these circumstances it was requisite for the garrison to come to a
prompt and decisive resolution, either at every hazard to defend the
place to the last extremity or immediately to abandon it. St. Clair
called a council of war, the members of which unanimously advised the
immediate evacuation of the forts, and preparations were instantly made
for carrying this resolution into execution. The British had the
command of the communication with Lake George, and consequently the
garrison could not escape in that direction. The retreat could be
effected by the South river only. Accordingly the invalids, the
hospital, and such stores as could be most easily removed, were put on
board 200 boats and, escorted by Colonel Long's regiment, proceeded, on
the night between the 5th and 6th of July, up the South river towards
Skeenesborough. The garrisons of Ticonderoga and Mount Independence