New York During the American Revolution

The Battle of Saratoga was one of the turning points in the American Revolutionary War.  British General, John Burgoyne was trying to move south into Saratoga territory from his victories established near Lake Champlain, Fort Ticonderoga, Fort Edward, and his advancement toward Albany to gain access to the Hudson River.  Not knowing the rugged lands of the Hudson Valley, Burgoyne was slow and his munitions were low. American General Horatio Gates seized the opportunity and converged his army to overpower the British troops.  Burgoyne surrendered to Gates on October 17, 1777 at Saratoga.

Other countries did help British and American troops during the American Revolution.  The British hired Germans (Hessians) for military help during the Battles in New York State and Vermont.  When the British surrendered at Saratoga, France allied with the Americans.

The Orderly Book of the Northern Campaign, 1776-1779 is held by the Manuscripts and Special Collections unit.  The anonymous author from the British army describes the details of the “Articles of Convention;” the surrender terms between Gates and Burgoyne which were agreed upon on October 16, 1777.