“What do you s’pose the king will say when he sees them come marchin’ home?”
“That the bottom has fallen out of his plans,” Philip replied with a laugh.
“’Twon’t be so with our men,” Late added. “The news will put new fight in ’em, an’ they’ll lick every red-coat that comes their way.”
“An’ the rest of the world will think we mean business,” Joe added gleefully.
“I am confident it will secure for us the help of France, which means that we shall gain what we are fighting for—our national independence,” a voice behind them said.
Turning, the boys saw General Schuyler, who added: “In time to come, I believe, it will generally be acknowledged that this battle of Saratoga was one of the decisive battles of the world, and you, my lads, may be proud because in it you have borne an honorable and important part.”
“Hurrah!” they all shouted, filled with enthusiasm at the thought.
Two weeks later General Schuyler and his son stood in the presence of General Washington. During an hour they had been with him discussing the details of the northern campaign, and now had arisen to depart. Taking the father by the hand the brave commander-in-chief of the American forces said:
“Never forget, sir, that at no time have I lost confidence in you, and I shall not rest until I have secured your full vindication at the hands of Congress.”