Did you think the Revolutionary war was just a bunch of Red Coats lining up and shooting at the colonists while we hid in trees? Think again. On the night of September 20th, 1777, British light infantry and dragoons, led by Major General Charles Grey launched a surprise attack on the sleeping forces of Anthony Wayne in their camp near the Paoli Tavern in modern day Malvern PA.
British regulars fixed bayonets and entered the camp without firing a shot, choosing instead to advance in a brutal attack. Caught off guard the Pennsylvania forces were in chaos.
In a very one-sided victory 52 of Wayne's men were killed, 149 wounded and 71 captured in a stark contrast to the 11 British killed or wounded.
The incident would be labeled the "Paoli Massacre" and represent another setback in the colonist's quest for freedom from the crown.
I with my own Eyes, see them, cut & hack some of our poor Men to pieces after they had fallen in their hands and scarcely shew the least Mercy to any...:— Lt. Col. Adam Hubley, 10th Pennsylvania Regimen
Initially Wayne would be brought up on charges, however he would later be acquitted.
The Battle of Freeman's Farm: September 19, 1777
The first battle of Saratoga, also known as the Battle of Freeman’s Farm, occurred on September 19, 1777. This bloody action was the culmination of months of maneuvering and combat that began that spring. The British were hoping that three different invasion forces would advance towards Albany, New York from the north, south, and west. By capturing Albany, the British would effectively cut off the New England states from the rest. However, the southern advance never truly materialized, and the western advance was driven back at Fort Stanwix and Oriskany. The only column left was the army under the command of British General John Burgoyne.
The day ended with the British holding Freeman’s Farm, but it had been an incredibly bloody affair. Nearly 600 British soldiers had been killed, wounded, or captured and more than 300 Americans had been killed, wounded or captured. One of the hardest hit regiments was the 62nd Regiment of Foot which lost more than half their strength, 210 men, in the fighting around Freeman’s Farm. While a British tactical victory, it had been a Pyrrhic victory. They had lost more men and had been halted on their attempt to strike at Gates’ main force on Bemis Heights. The British remained at Freeman’s Farm and began to fortify their position just a mile and a half from Bemis Heights. The two sides remained encamped in their respective positions for the next three weeks before fighting again at the Battle of Bemis Heights on October 7, 1777.
TRY REENACTING!
Do you want to fire a musket, help crew a cannon, or just enjoy an evening around the fire?
Our Units are excited to host folks who want to try out the hobby.
They will supply the necessary gear and clothing for you (and your family) to join us for a weekend reenacting the American Revolution!
What are you in for? Read our “What Re-enacting with the NWTA Looks Like.”