Page "Saratoga campaign" Paragraph 8

Burgoyne's invasion plan from Quebec had two components: he would lead the main force of about 8, 000 men along Lake Champlain towards Albany while a second column of about 2, 000 men ( which Barry St. Leger was chosen to lead ), would move down the Mohawk River valley in a strategic diversion.

Both expeditions would converge upon Albany, where they would link up with troops from Howe's army marching up the Hudson.

Control of the Lake Champlain-Lake George-Hudson River route from Canada to New York City would cut off New England from the rest of the American colonies.