To have taken and destroyed all these stores was no small matter, and the Colonel and his men rejoiced not a little over the blow thus struck at the foe almost in his own land.
But there was no chance of following up the victory.

Armstrong was not strong enough to carry the war into the enemy's country; moreover, the winter was already upon them, although up till the present the season had been especially mild and open.

He must march his men back to quarters, and provide for the safety of his wounded, and for the restoration of the rescued prisoners to their friends.
He would gladly have kept Stark and his little valiant band with him, but the Rangers had different aims in view.
"We must be up and doing; we must find fighting somewhere.

On Lake George we shall surely find work for men to do.

Rangers of wood and forest care nothing for winter ice and snow.