In  his  hospitals  were  eight  hundred  sick  and
wounded  men,  and  his  effective  soldiers  were
fed  on  diminished  rations.     His  Indian  allies
deserted  him,  while,  through  the  exertiops  of
Schuyler,  Oneida  warriors  joined  the  forces  of
Gates.     Lincoln,  with  two  thousand  men,  also
joined  him  on  the  22d ;  still  Gates  remained  in-
active.     His  officers  were  impatient,  and  Ar-
nold plainly  told  him  that  the  army  was  clam-
orous for  action,  and  the  militia  were  threaten-
ing to  go  home.      He  told  him  that  he  bad
reason  to  think  that  if  they  had  "improved  the
20th  of  September  it  might  have  ruined  the
enemy.    That  is  past,"  he  said ;  "  let  me  entreat
you  to  improve  the  present  time."     Gates  was
offended,  and,  treating  the  brave  Arnold  with
silent  contempt,  sat  still.     A  long  time  Bur-
goyne "waited  for  further  tidings  from  Clinton.
