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September 19, October 7, October 17, 1777. Baum's defeat at Bennington and St. Leger's failure at Fort Stanwix rendered Burgoyne's position perilous. The Continental armies were daily increasing, and there were no signs of help from Howe. Burgoyne determined to take the offensive and crossed the Hudson. The Americans, under Gates, held a strong position at Bemis' Heights. Burgoyne decided to storm their encampment and to try to turn their flank simultaneously. His plan was discovered and thwarted by Arnold, who made a furious opposition until he too was outflanked by Riedesel, who had been dispatched against the Heights. It was a drawn battle. Gates showed his incompetency by keeping his 11,000 men in camp, while Arnold with 3000 held the British in check. The battle was bloody, both British and Americans losing a fourth of the men engaged. For eighteen days nothing was done. Then news came to Burgoyne that his supplies were cut off, and he was forced to engage again, though he had but 4000 to oppose to 16,000. Again with 1500 picked men under Fraser he tried to turn the American flank and again Arnold thwarted him. Both Fraser and Arnold were disabled. The Americans gained the field. October 7, Gates with 20,000 men followed up the retreating army, who found their passage across the Hudson blocked. No word reached Burgoyne from Clinton, and he accordingly treated in regard to surrender. The terms agreed upon were that the British should march out with honors of war, lay down their arms, march to Boston, embark for England and not serve against Americans again. This was called the "Convention of Saratoga," to respect Burgoyne's feelings. Arms were laid down October 17. Thus failed the first attempt to cut in twain the American military line. The Convention was broken by Congress.