On This Day in History > October 7, 1777: The Battle of Bemis Heights
On This Day in History > October 7, 1777: The Battle of Bemis Heights. "Shortly after the bloody fighting at the Battle of Freeman’s Farm on September 19, 1777, General John Burgoyne wanted to renew his assault on the American position. Before he ordered the assault though, he learned that General Sir Henry Clinton in New York City was going to make a move up the Hudson and attack some of the American forts in the lower Hudson. While it was unlikely his force would be able to make it up to Saratoga in time to assist Burgoyne, he hoped news of the attack may potentially draw off some of General Horatio Gates’ men from their strong position at Bemis Heights. Both sides settled into a stalemate at Saratoga which would last for three weeks. During this interlude, there was constant picket and patrol firing between the two armies as neither budged. The British fortified their position at Freeman’s Farm. At Freeman’s Farm, they built the Balc...