In June 1777, Lt. Gen. John Burgoyne assembled some 9,000 British, German, Loyalist, and Native forces assigned to his so-called “Canada Army” at the Crown Point, a ruined fort at the southern end of Lake Champlain. In July, Burgoyne’s troops boarded over 200 warships and wooden bateaux (light, flat-bottomed riverboats) to begin a southern advance toward the crossroads city of Albany, New York, the rear base and headquarters of Maj. Gen. Phillip Schuyler’s Northern Department army.
"The Army embarks tomorrow, to approach the Enemy. We are to contend for the King, and the constitution of Great Britain, to vindicate Law, and to relieve the oppressed— a cause in which his Majesty’s Troops and those of the Princes his Allies, will feel equal excitement. The Services required of this particular expedition, are critical and conspicuous. During our progress occasions may occur in which, no difficulty, nor labour, nor Life, are to be regarded. This Army must not retreat."
Lt. Gen. John Burgoyne, addressing his armyRichard M. Ketchum. “Saratoga: Turning Point of America’s Revolutionary War.” New York: Henry Holt & Co., 1997, p. 163.