The Battle of Saratoga

The Battle of Saratoga
Kelly's Blog

Journal of Henry Green

October 17th, 1777

We have finally done it! We have defeated the British for the first time in a few battles. It feels great. General says this could be the turnin’ point of the war. I began to lose hope after the British took Philadelphia captive.  The last few battles we lost really took a toll on our colonial armies hope or so it feels. If only another country would allie with us to help us put those Lobsterbacks in their place. I am feelin’ better with this victory though. Boy did those redcoats seem scared of us. According to some spies the British thought that if they divided they could surround us and put us to an end. We proved them wrong though and it felt so great! I wonder where we will go from here. I hope to see my family again soon. I know that this war is not yet over but I’m hopin’ the end is comin’ soon.

Mike's Blog

As the war reached a pivotal point at the two year mark, the British changed strategies deciding to isolate New England from the remaining colonies. The Battle of Saratoga commenced on September 19, 1777.  The battle was considered a major turning point in the war, and sealed the fate for the British General John Burgoyne.  The victory had as major impact in convincing France to formally enter the war, they had seen a change in the tide and did not wish to be open allies with a losing America.  The Battle was not an individual battle however a sequence of skirmishes.

               The American Continental Army had been in a slow state of retreat ever since the British Red Coats had captured Ticonderoga in early July. General Horatio Gates had replaced the failing Major General Schuyler while encamped south of Stillwater, New York.  Schuyler was replaced by Gates due to losses suffered at Ticonderoga.  This was a drastic change for the Continental army as the two did not agree with each other and had much different leadership styles.  The Americans caught a break having General Howe of the British army sail south, allowing an additional 750 men be added to the command of Gates.

               The first Battle of Freeman’s Farm commenced on September 18, this was an attempt made by Burgoyne to dismantle the American left flank on the high ground. Gates and his men foresaw this and had placed men in the wooded areas.  This was an advantage for the Continental army because they were skilled at attacking in the woods compared to the British who attacked in columns. The Americans aimed for officers and managed to use their rifles to snipe many opposing officers.  The Americans fled at dark losing 300 men and the British had captured some land but suffered casualties of 600.

               The second battle was the Battle of Bemis Heights on October 7, within the opening hour the British suffered losses of 300 and had 10 artillery pieces captured.  The British had also lost or had captured almost all of their grenadiers.  After the initial opening of the battle the Americans went on the attack led by Arnold.  In the first battle he had been transferred out of Gates’ command however did not leave the army at the point of the second battle, defying Gates he rode out and led the men, the Americans were outright victorious in this battle and even captured a British camp.   Due to the heavy losses suffered the British were forced to retreat and General Burgoyne was returned to England as a failure, and was never given another leadership role again in his military career.

               The aftermath of the Battle caused 1,000 casualties for the British and many of the most highly skilled officers, while the Americans lost only 500 KIA or wounded.  The British attempt to capture the American camp allowed the Americans to encircle the British at Saratoga and force the surrender of Burgoyne on October 17.  The battle had a lasting effect on the war, raising the spirits of the American troops, and also striking fear into the eyes of the British who not only saw that the Continentals targeted officers, but also that the Americans could win a battle outright and cause the surrender of a British Army group.  The victory sealed the fate of the war having France become open allies and guarantee troops and their naval forces to help defeat the British.