Other commanders might have been content to spend the long wait in the relative comfort of Colonel Skene's house, dividing their time between leisurely dinners, endless card games, and nights of abandon with a voluptuous mistress. While he took abundant pleasure in all of these things, Burgoyne did not neglect his duties. He held regular meetings with his senior officers, inspected the troops from time to time, and made sure that he was seen in public by as many of his soldiers as possible. It was one of the reasons he was so popular. There was nothing remote and aloof about Gentleman Johnny. He was a familiar sight who could revive the most jaded spirits. Burgoyne did not ignore the sweating fatigue parties who worked so hard to build a road through the forest. He rode out occasionally to see what progress they had made and to offer his encouragement. When the men were well into their second week of drudgery, they were visited yet again by their commander, in company, this time, with Captain Jamie Skoyles, who wished that the day were not quite so hot and humid.
