Summary

Chapter 26 is titled “Conquer or Die” and is dated August 28-September 20, 1777. Arnold returned to the Northern Army where Gates and Schuyler were vying for control. Congress finally ordered Schuyler to step down leaving Gates in command. Schuyler made it clear he had laid the foundation for any victory Gates might win. Gates was determined to win the upcoming battle against the British at Saratoga, earning glory for himself. Then Arnold returned to camp. The Americans dug trenches and made walls of wood and mud as a makeshift fort. Gates wrote to Congress of the win at Fort Stanwix, but did not mention Arnold's role. This began a feud between the men. Arnold wanted to meet the British on open ground to prevent the formations that would be difficult to break. Gates wanted to remain behind the relative safety of the walls. British General...