Posted on October 7, 2008
barber wheat field
Here we are again revisiting the battle of Saratoga. When last we left generals Burgoyne and Gates on September 19th they were pretty much locked in a stalemate. The British unable to advance against superior numbers of colonial troops dug themselves in and fortified their position. But, by early October supplies for the British army were running low.
On October 7th Burgoyne sent out a “reconnaissance-in-force” of about 1,500 men and cannon to forage for supplies. While harvesting wheat from the Barber Wheatfield to replenish their supplies, the British were once again set upon by the Morgan Rifles along with Learned’s and Poor’s brigades. The Americans, inflicting over 400 casualties on the 1,500 man force, pursued the British and eventually attacked the fortified positions on the right of the British lines. It was during this action that Benedict Arnold – who would be seriously injured – helped rally the American forces to victory, culminating in Burgoyne’s retreat and eventual surrender ten days later, on the 17th of October.
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