His head-quarters were at Fort Anne, and General St. Clair commanded the important post of Ticonderoga. In July, Burgoync came sweeping down the lake triumphantly. St. Clair fled from Ticonderoga, and his army was scattered and sorely smitten in the retreat. "When the British advanced to Skenesborough, at the head of the lake, Schuyler retreated to Fort Edward, felling trees across the old military road, demolishing tlie causew ays over the great Kingsbury marshes, and destroying the bridges, to obstruct the invader's progress. "With great labour and perseverance Burgoyne moved forward, and on the 29th of July he encamped upon the high bank of the Hudso]i, nt the great bend where the village of Sandy Hill now stands.

At this time a tragedy occurred near Fort Edward, Avhich produced a great sensation throughout the country, and has been a theme for history, poetry, romance, and song. It was the death of Jenny M'Crea, the daughter of a Scotch Presbyteiian clergyman, who is described as lovely in disposition, graceful in manners, and so intelligent and winning in all her ways, that she was a favourite of all who knew her. She was visiting a Tory friend at Fort Edward at this time, and was betrothed to a young man of the neighbourhood, who was a subaltern in Burgoyne's army. On the approach of the invaders, her brother, who lived near, fled, with his family, down the river, and desired Jenny to accompany them. She preferred to stay under the protection of her Tory friend, who was a widow, and a cousin of General Eraser, of Burgoyne's army.