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  • Saratoga: A Military History of the Decisive Campaign of the American Revolution
  • Mark Kwasny
Saratoga: A Military History of the Decisive Campaign of the American Revolution. By John F. Luzader. New York: Savas Beatie, 2008. ISBN 978-1-932714-44-9. Dramatis personae. Maps. Illustrations. Appendixes. Notes. Bibliography. Index. Pp. xxviii, 483. $34.95.

The battles near Saratoga in September and October, 1777, and the ensuing capture of General John Burgoyne's army, did indeed form one of the decisive campaigns of the American Revolutionary War. Despite having been analyzed and examined numerous times in the past 232 years, a new and detailed account is always welcome. [End Page 950]

John Luzader brings to this subject the extensive knowledge of a park historian of the Saratoga National Historical Park. His familiarity with the geography of the area enables him to offer vivid descriptions of the terrain of the battles and campaign. His comprehensive use of sources, including manuscripts from Great Britain and Germany, allow him to bring detail and life to the story. Included are numerous quotes, some quite lengthy, that help the reader to understand how the participants themselves saw and understood what was unfolding at that time.

Critical to any military history are maps, and Luzader provides many. Clear and detailed, these maps make it easy to follow the movement of the forces. For example, the battle of Freeman's Farm is supported by five excellent maps detailing the different phases of the battle.

Luzader wades in on the traditional controversies of the campaign. He offers extensive analysis of the British planning, the politics of choosing commanders, and the debate over Burgoyne's orders and whether he had the discretion to retreat late in the campaign. According to Luzader, the result of these negotiations was confusion and an army not strong enough to accomplish its objectives. The elusive quest for Loyalist support for the British armies is often ridiculed as a fantasy of British high command, but Luzader concludes that Burgoyne "found more sympathizers south of Ticonderoga than some later generations have wanted to remember" (p. 94). As Luzader correctly points out, the role and support of Loyalist colonists still need more study.

Personality conflicts had a dramatic impact on the campaign. Perhaps the most famous personality clash was between Generals Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold. Luzader defends Gates, "The architect of the Saratoga victory" (p. xxiii), claiming Gates deserves much of the credit for the ultimate victory due to his strategic vision, tactical decisions, and logistical capabilities. Arnold comes of looking less admirable though still a critical part of the final victory. The cause of the growing breach between the two generals is laid more at the feet of other officers and instigators, rather than on Gates's mishandling of the temperamental Arnold. Luzader also offers a defense of the much maligned Lord George Germain, the Secretary for America largely responsible for formulating British strategy in the war, and of American General Benjamin Lincoln and his efforts to cut Burgoyne's line of supply back to Canada.

The detailed coverage of the major clashes of the campaign is clear, concise, and easy to follow. Whether he is describing the smaller clashes of Hubbardton and Bennington, or the larger battles of Freeman's Farm and October 7, Luzader does a good job of untangling the confusing chaos of combat. The geography of the Champlain-Hudson corridor, as well as of the Mohawk River valley helped determine much of the movements, and the author gives an excellent description of both. Logistical details abound, and the impact of supply on the major decisions of all the leaders is clarifed.

If there is any weakness, it is perhaps the author's too ardent defense of Gates. He divined Burgoyne's plan first, he never disparaged Arnold, and his tactical [End Page 951] choice to stand and defend rather than advance against Burgoyne at the battle of Freeman's Farm was correct and changing that decision almost led to disaster. On the other hand, Luzader does admit that Gates could be petty, and that he was out-maneuvered by Burgoyne in the final negotiations. Also, Luzader relies heavily at times...

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