On October 17,1777, there was a war between the British General John Burgoyne and Patriot General Horatio Gates. On October 17,1777 Burgoyne surrendered over 5,000 troops. In the summer of 1777 John Burgoyne lead over 8,000 men south in an attempt to join forces with British General Sir William Howe. After capturing several cities Burgoyne and his forces camped near Saratoga,while General Gates was camping 4 miles away. One September 19, a group of British soldiers marched out and engaged the Patriot forces at the first battle of saratoga also known as the battle of freeman's farm, at this battle Burgoyne's forces retreated. October 7, another British force was pushed back by an American force under General Benedict Arnold, in the battle of
