As historical dates go, September 19, l777 isn’t one that’s celebrated or well remembered. However, in the light of our country’s later history it may be as significant as July 4, 1776 or April 9, l865, (the day Lee surrendered to Grant). Its importance is two-fold as to whether we would ever retain our status as an independent nation after boldly declaiming our “Declaration of Independence” in l776.

Two separate British armies threatened the very existence of our new nation. One was advancing from Canada toward Albany and the other advancing towards our seat of government in Philadelphia from the Chesapeake Bay.

The first army was under the command of Lieutenant General “Gentleman Johnny” Burgoyne. Burgoyne was following a route from Canada up Lake Champlain to the Hudson near Fort Edward and then a trek following the river to the inland city of Albany. It was the key to controlling the Hudson-Mohawk valleys, and eventually a jumping-off point for connecting with the British Army controlling New York City, thus splitting the former colonies in two.

Burgoyne had success in capturing Fort Ticonderoga with barely firing a shot only to face delays in reaching the Hudson. Once there, he advanced to the west side of the river and cut his umbilical cord with Canada. An ill-advised sortie to Bennington using Hessian mercenaries unfamiliar with the terrain led to a defeat at Bennington (actually Walloomsac in New York) on August l6, l777.

On September l9, l777, Burgoyne found himself facing an entrenched American Army under Major General Horatio Gates at a place called Bemis Heights. The Americans blocked the Albany road and Burgoyne’s advance to Albany.

Burgoyne’s attempt to dislodge them resulted in the first battle at Freeman’s Farm where the British were repulsed and forced to regroup after suffering severe losses.

The Americans were still firmly entrenched and blocked the way to Albany. For all intents and purposes, Burgoyne’s Campaign ended here. Three weeks later, he surrendered to General Gates at Saratoga.

The second British thrust under General Sir William Howe, Commander of British forces in America, had proceeded up the Chesapeake in August of l777 and reached the Elk River by September. A short march up the Elk brought them to the vicinity of the Brandywine River in southeastern Pennsylvania, just a day’s ride from Philadelphia, the American capital. Howe’s superior subordinate, Lord General Charles Cornwallis, had once again outmaneuvered Washington and forced his withdrawal from the field.

The Continental Congress was in panic and had picked up their belongings and fled inland, first to Lancaster and then York, which put the Susquehanna between them and the British. The Liberty Bell was secretly carted away and hid in Allentown. On September l9, l777, Lord Cornwallis rode into Philadelphia at the head of his troops and occupied the American capital. Meanwhile, Washington and the remains of his army lurked nearby at Valley Forge.

September l9, l777 thus became an important day in American history. On one hand, an entire British army was stalemated and would eventually surrender, causing the French to openly join the American cause and eventual victory. On the other, the British occupied the American capital, causing our government to flee inland and safer terrain.

In the long run, the first event was more important to the outcome of our quest for freedom, as our government was able to function as well in York as Philadelphia.

September l9 shouldn’t be allowed to slide by as just another day on the calendar.