Battle of Freeman's Farm

"perhaps the hottest ever fought in America"

The Battle of Freeman’s Farm on September 19, 1777 was one of the longest land battles of the American Revolutionary War. It was a British tactical victory; they held the field of battle at the end of the day. Strategically, however, this was an American victory in that it prevented further advancement of the British Army. Follow the progression of the first battle at Saratoga below.

 

12:00PM - "we ought to March out and attack them"

Morning reports from American officers scouting enemy positions were clear: the British were coming.

General Benedict Arnold was an aggressive leader. When he learned that the enemy was advancing to attack, he “took the liberty to give it as my Opinion that we ought to March out and attack them.” Gates agreed, allowing Arnold to “send Colonel [Daniel] Morgan and the light Infantry, and support them” if needed. Accompanied by Stockbridge warriors, this elite corps totaled over 700.

12:30PM - “Ordered off to Scour the Woods”

12:45PM - “my men are scattered God knows where”

3:30PM - “thrown into the wood”

3:30PM - “That Corps suffr’d very much”