Battle of Klock's Field facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Klock's Field
Part of the American Revolutionary War
Date October 19, 1780 Location St. Johnsville, New York Result American victory
Belligerents
United States Albany County militia Tryon County militia Oneida Indians Lieutenant Colonel John Harper's Levies Colonel Lewis DuBois Levies Colonel John Brown's Levies	Great Britain King's Royal Regiment of New York Butler's Rangers Brant's Volunteers 8th Regiment of Foot 34th Regiment of Foot Indian Department
Commanders and leaders
Robert Van Rensselaer John Brown of Pittsfield†	Sir John Johnson Joseph Brant Captain Andrew Parke
Strength
1,500	1,000
Casualties and losses
39 killed, 2 taken prisoner, throughout the day	48 killed (8th Regiment), 40 taken prisoner

The Battle of Klock's Field was an important fight during the American Revolutionary War. It happened on October 19, 1780, in what is now St. Johnsville, New York. This battle was also known by other names, like the Battle of Failing's Orchard. It was a clash between American forces, mainly local citizen-soldiers called militia, and a group of British soldiers, Native American warriors, and Loyalists. Loyalists were American colonists who stayed loyal to the British King during the war. The British-led forces were commanded by Sir John Johnson and Joseph Brant.

Before the Battle: A Surprise Attack

On October 19, 1780, Sir John Johnson and Joseph Brant led their army through Tryon County, New York. Their goal was to destroy farms and homes. This army included British soldiers, Native American fighters, and Loyalists. They burned buildings in a village called Stone Arabia.

Colonel Brown's Stand

Colonel John Brown was an American commander. He was stationed at Fort Paris nearby. He heard that a small group of Johnson's men were alone. Colonel Brown decided to attack them with his 360 soldiers.

A Tragic Turn

However, Johnson's main army was waiting. They surrounded Colonel Brown's forces. In the fierce fighting, Colonel Brown was killed. His soldiers were defeated. This was a sad loss for the American side.

The Main Fight at Klock's Field

Later that day, American forces caught up with Johnson's army. These American soldiers were led by Brigadier General Robert Van Rensselaer. They were made up of militia from Albany and Tryon Counties. They also included New York State Levies, who were soldiers raised for specific tasks.

Clash on the Farm

The battle took place on a farm owned by George G. Klock. The fighting was intense. General Van Rensselaer's soldiers tried to surround the Loyalists. But during the battle, the American forces accidentally started firing at each other.

British Escape

General Van Rensselaer ordered his men to pull back. They needed to rest and get supplies. Meanwhile, Sir John Johnson, Colonel John Butler, and Joseph Brant escaped. They rode away on horseback, leaving their men behind. Many of Johnson's soldiers had to cross a river to get away.

Abandoned Supplies

During their quick escape, Johnson's men left many things behind. They had to abandon their cannons and their baggage. They also left behind most of the prisoners they had captured earlier. This showed how quickly they had to flee.

After the Battle: Widespread Destruction

Even though the Loyalists lost the battle, Johnson's mission was successful. He wanted to destroy farms and settlements in the area. After the battle, people said that almost everything was destroyed. A 20-mile (32 km) stretch of the Mohawk Valley was ruined.