OCTOBER 19, 1780

BATTLE OF KLOCK’S FIELD–BRITISH, MOHAWK AND SENECA LOSE TO ALBANY MILITIA & ONEIDAS

In October 1780, Britain’s Sir John Johnson attacked the Schoharie Valley.  After defeating Colonel John Brown’s militiamen at Stone Arabia, Johnson marched his force toward St. Johnsville.  Brigadier General Robert Van Rensselaer and the Albany County militia and set out in pursuit, supported by Governor George Clinton and Colonel Pieter Vrooman.  Van Rensselaer caught Johnson’s rear guard late in the day at Klock’s Field and immediately attacked.  Johnson’s force (800 to 1500), included Mohawk and Seneca warriors under Lieutenant Joseph Brant.  Van Rensselaer’s force (850) included 60 Oneida warriors.  The Americans flushed the Indians out of the woods toward the river, accompanied by Johnson and Brant who was wounded.  The remaining British force was pinned against the Mohawk River.  Oddly, at this point, Van Rensselaer decided to break contact and fell back three miles to camp securely in Palatine.  During the night Johnson’s survivors escaped and set off for Onondaga.

Source:  “Klock’s Field, New York,” Encyclopedia of the American Revolution: Library of Military History, Encyclopedia.com.  Retrieved 7/27/2020, https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/klocks-field-new-york
Photo:  Steve Stoessel, undated.  Courtesy of HMdb.org, https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=137551