Battle of Bemis Heights

Burgoyne, with perhaps 5,000 effective troops after campaign losses and desertions, began the battle with an attempt to flank the entrenched American position on Bemis Heights. The heavy fighting featured Arnold's spirited rallying of the American troops. Burgoyne's forces were thrown back to the positions they held before the September 19 action, and the Americans captured a portion of the entrenched British defenses. The de Vallière cannon from a secret French artillery shipment strengthened the Continental Army's field artillery in the victory.