The Murder of Jane McCrea
This short chapter discusses one of the most infamous events of the Saratoga campaign, and, indeed, the entire Revolutionary war: the murder of Jane McCrea. As Burgoyne’s army slowly advanced, many Americans sought refuge away from the potential fighting. Jane McCrea, a Loyalist, was captured by some of Burgoyne’s Indian allies and as they conveyed her back to their camp, she was killed, most likely by friendly fire from American soldiers, and scalped. This notorious event led to a crisis in the relationship between Burgoyne and his Indians and it would ultimately inflame American passions against the British. While the tragedy’s impact on the Saratoga campaign was minimal, it did have long-term negative consequences for the British war effort.