![Wilkinson, William Cumberland. The encampment & position of the army under His Excy. Lt. Gl: Burgoyne at Swords’s and Freeman’s Farms on Hudsons River near Stillwater. [1777] Map. Library of Congress.](https://www.thenmusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/iiif-service_gmd_gmd380_g3803_g3803s_ar118200a-full-pct_12.5-0-default.jpg)
To avoid the danger posed by the American fortifications by the Hudson River, General Burgoyne attempted to move part of his army inland. On 19 September 1777, his column collided with part of General Gates’ army near the abandoned farm of Loyalist John Freeman. The British were unable to maintain any initiative or momentum during a long afternoon of fighting. Pinned down, they suffered from heavy American gunfire as they strove to hold their lines. Late in the day, the arrival of German reinforcements compelled the Patriot troops to retreat. Nevertheless, Burgoyne’s forces had suffered heavy casualties and Gates’ army still blocked the path south to Albany.
"19 Sept. This morning we turned out before daylight and stayed on the parade till after sunrise. Just after daylight a very thick fog rose, and continued till after sunrise. About one o'clk we were alarmed by the enemy. We marched from our encampment and manned the works above us. About 2 o'clk an engagment ensured between their advanced party and ours which lasted 15 minutes without cessation. Our people drove them and took some prisoners. Then there was a cessation of firing till 4 o'ck when Genl. Arnold on our left wing began an engagement with the enemys right wing which lasted 3 hours without any cessation at all. Great numbers fell on both sides. I mounted picket at night in the front of our encampment. "
Sgt. Ebenezer Wild, 1st Massachusetts RegimentCourtesy Saratoga National Historical Park Historian Eric Schnitzer.