The battle of Freeman's farm
- On the 19th of September, 1777, British general John Burgoyne's army met the colonists' troops at Freeman's Farm. This was the first of the two battles of Saratoga. The battle started when a reconnaissance team, led in force by Benedict Arnold encountered a column of Burgoyne's troops. At first, the colonists had the advantage, but eventually were driven back. Arnold rushed back to his commander- Horatio Gates and requested a greater force to challenge the British with, but Gates would not allow a full scale attack. Because Gates did not allow a full scale attack, the field fell to the British, and the Colonists were defeated.
- Both sides had about 3000 troops
- The British may have won Freeman's Farm, but they suffered heavy losses.