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19 Sept 1777: The Battle of Freeman's Farm
By Lt Col P
On this day in 1777 took place the battle of Freeman's Farm, the first of the two main actions that are commonly but erroneously known as the "battle" of Saratoga in the American Revolution.
The action featured the use of regulars and irregulars on both sides, and was not notable for any tactical innovations. Gen Daniel Morgan and his Virginia riflemen acquitted themselves well, as Virginia riflemen are apt to do. At the end of the day the British, under "Gentleman Johnny" Burgoyne, held the field but little else. One of the leading figures on the American side was Benedict Arnold of Connecticut, who displayed once more the dash and bravery that made him famous.
The Saratoga campaign is worth studying because it is a good illustration of how a concerted series of actions forms a campaign, and how the outcome of said campaign has a direct effect on the war.
In this case, the series of actions included not only Freeman's Farm (and its successor, Bemis Heights) but maneuver, and shaping actions such as Hubbardton, Fort Ticonderoga, and Bennington. Not all these fights went to the Americans, including Freeman's Farm, but the net effect of the campaign up to that point was to place the British in a progessively weaker position vis a vis the Americans, although they were ostensibly the stronger force and in possession of the field.
Also of note is the relation of this campaign-- and the combined strategic effects-- of other operations in the war. The setback at Saratoga cost the British dearly, for it emboldened the French and then the Spaniards and the Dutch to enter the war. Several years later, a similar series of actions in the southern department would expel the main British army from the Carolinas and set it up for defeat by a combined force of Americans and French on the land and the sea. But of that, more later.
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great piece, Sir!
excellent post... i think Americans would be more proud of our country if we took the time to THINK about those who came before us and their sacrifices. not an easy road.
good piece.
Nicely posted.
While you note correctly that Saratoga is an inaccurate title applied to this campaign, you have to admit, it makes a better name for an aircraft carrier than USS Freeman Farms....
lol, ain't that the truth Gordon.
BTW, I've never been able to figure out the folks who dismiss irregulars as useless in the Revolution. Often less than reliable, OK, but history would look mighty different without Lexington/Concord, Ticonderoga I, Bunker Hill, Bennington, and King's Mountain, all 100% militia affairs on the American side -- and as you note, they played a significant part at Saratoga as well.
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This day has special meaning on a personal level. My ancestor fought in both battles in the 1st Canadian Regiment under Colonel James Livingston. They were placed under General Ebenezer Learned’s brigade and helped support the center during Freeman’s Farm. Then during the Battle of Bemis Heights, again they were center and assaulted Breyman’s Redoubt led by General Arnold. When I visited the battlefields several years ago it had profound meaning to stand there, realizing a couple hundred years ago this was a turning point in my family’s history as well as the nations. Later, at war’s end, my ancestor was given land in upper state New York (Clinton County) for his service.
On a similar note, I’ve found it ironic the 1st Canadian Regiment had been there at the beginning and the fall of Benedict Arnold. They had originally fought in the ill fated Canadian expedition, marched to the relief of Ft Stanwix under Arnold, then the Battles around Saratoga, and finally were garrisoned at Verplancks Point. Verplancks Point is where they shot a four pounder at the British sloop of war Vulture forcing her to have Major Andre to return by land and thus leading to his capture and exposure of Arnold’s treachery.