Many years ago there was a theory which explained Burgoyne's decision to embark his troops on the difficult overland trip south. A Loyalist member of Burgoyne's expedition, Mr. Philip Skene, acting as Burgoyne's political advisor, coincidentally owned the Sixty thousand acres surrounding Skenesboro. Burgoyne established his headquarters and residence in Mr. Skene's home and "Gentleman Johnny" was enjoying his stay. Along with plentiful food and drink there was the willing wife of his Commissary officer to entertain him. There is also no doubt that a proper road through the property would enhance Philip Skene's land value multifold after the war. Finally, Burgoyne, not a wealthy man, was aware of the parsimonious nature of the King's retirement scheme for retired generals. Yes! Why not build a road! This theory is further strengthened by Burgoyne's feeble attempt after the war to defend his actions. His only defense was that if he had marched his troops north to Lake George it would have destroyed their morale, as it would appear a retreat. Compared to what his soldiers had to go through clawing out a road south his defense is without merit. Battle of Saratoga Simon Fraser We Have Met The Enemy and He Is Us Why Build a Road Through the Wilderness? Ticonderoga's Fatal Flaw Three British Generals Battle of Saratoga Jumbo Map (very slow: 349K) More Benedict Arnold Part 1: Early Activities Part 2: Invasion of Canada Part 3: The Battle of Valcour Island Part 4: Prelude to Saratoga Part 5: Battle of Saratoga Back to Cry Havoc #28 Table of Contents Back to Cry Havoc List of Issues Back to MagWeb Master Magazine List © Copyright 1999 by David W. Tschanz. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com