Within the limits of this town a portion of the Battle of Bennington was fought, August 16th, 1777.

The progress of Burgoyne thoroughly alarmed the American states, it being well known that the American forces under Gen. Schuyler were not sufficient to prevent the capture of Albany, whenever it was reached by the enemy.  Instead of thinking of submission, the Americans met this alarming crisis with firmness and resolution, and great exertions were made to reinforce the army.  Gen. Lincoln was directed to raise and take the command of the New England militia.  Gen. Arnold, and Col.  Morgan with his riflemen, were detached to the northern army, and congress elected Gen. Gates as commander.

"While the American army was thus assuming a more respectable appearance, Gen. Burgoyne was making very slow advances towards Albany.  From the 28th of July to the 15th of August, (1777,) the British army was continually employed in bringing forward batteaux, provisions, and ammunition from Fort George, to the first navigable part of Hudson's river; a distance of not more than 18 miles.  The labor was excessive, the Europeans were but little acquainted with the methods of performing it to advantage, and the effect was in no degree equivalent to the expense of labor and time.  With all the efforts that Burgoyne could make, encumbered with his artillery and baggage, his labors were inadequate to the purpose of supplying the army with provisions for its daily consumption, and the establishment of the necessary magazines.  And after his utmost exertions for 15 days, there were not above 4 days' provisions in the store, nor about 10 batteaux in Hudson's river.

"In such circumstances the British general found that it would be impossible to procure sufficient supplies of provision by the way of Fort George, and determined to replenish his own magazines at the expense of those of the Americans.  Having received information that a large quantity of stores were laid up at Bennington, and guarded only by the militia, he formed the design of surprising that place; and was made to believe that as soon as a detachment of the royal army should appear in that quarter, it would receive effectual assistance from a large body of loyalists, who only waited for the appearance of a support, and would in that event come forward and aid the royal cause.  Full of these expectations, he detached Col. Baum, a German officer, with a select body of troops, to surprise the place.  His force consisted of about 500 regular troops, some Canadians, and more than 100 Indians, with two light pieces of artillery.  To facilitate their operations, and to be ready to take advantage of the success of the detachment, the royal army moved along the east bank of Hudson's river, and encamped nearly opposite to Saratoga; having at the same time thrown a bridge of rafts over the river, by which the army passed to that place.  With a view to support Baum, if it should be found necessary, Lieut.  Col. Breyman's corps, consisting of the Brunswick grenadiers, light infantry and chasseurs, were posted at Battenkill.

"Gen. Stark having received information that a party of Indians were at Cambridge, sent Lieut. Col. Greg, on August the 13th, with a party of 200 men to stop their progress.  Towards night he was informed by express, that a large body of regulars was in the rear of the Indians, and advancing towards Bennington.  On this intelligence, Stark drew together his brigade, and the militia that were at hand, and sent on to Manchester to Col. Warner to bring on his regiment; he sent expresses at the same time to the neighboring militia, to join him with the utmost speed.  On the morning of the 14th, he marched with his troops, and at the distance of 7 miles he met Greg on the retreat, and the enemy within a mile of him.  Stark drew up his troops in order of battle; but the enemy coming in sight, halted upon a very advantageous piece of ground.  Baum perceived the Americans were too strong to be attacked with his present force, and sent an express to Burgoyne with an account of his situation, and to have Breyman march immediately to support him.  In the mean time small parties of the Americans kept up a skirmish with the enemy, killed and wounded 30 of them, with two of their Indian chiefs, without any loss to themselves.  The ground the Americans had taken was unfavorable for a general action, and Stark retreated about a mile and encamped.  A council of war was held, and it was agreed to send two detachments upon the enemy's rear, while the rest of the troops should make an attack upon their front.  The next day the weather was rainy, and though it prevented a general actions, there were frequent skirmishings in small parties, which proved favorable and encouraging to the Americans.

"On August the 16th, in the morning, Stark was joined by Col. Symonds and a body of militia from Berkshire, and proceeded to attack the enemy, agreeably to the plan which had been concerted.  Co. Baum in the mean time had entrenched, on an advantageous piece of ground near St. Koicks mills, on a branch of the Hoosick river, and rendered his post as strong as his circumstances and situation would admit.  Col. Nichols was detached with 200 men to the rear of his left, Co. Herrick, with 300 men to the rear of his right; both were to join and then make the attack.  Cols. Hubbard and Stickney, with 200 more, were ordered on the right, and 100 were advanced towards the front to draw the attention of the enemy that way.  About 3 o'clock in the afternoon the troops had taken their situation, and were ready to commence the action.  While Nichols and Herrick were beginning their troops together, the Indians were alarmed at the prospect, and pushed off between the town corps; but received a fire as they were passing, by which three of them were killed, and two wounded.  Nichols then began the attack, and was followed by all the other divisions; those in front immediately advanced, and in a few minutes the action became general.  It lasted about two hours, and was like one continued peal of thunder.  Baum made a brave defence; and the German dragoons, after they had expended their ammunition, led by their colonel, charged with their swords, but they were soon overpowered.  Their works were carried on all sides, their two pieces of cannon were taken, Co. Baum himself was mortally wounded and taken prisoner, and all his men, except a few who had escaped into the woods, were either killed or taken prisoners.  Having completed the business by taking the whole party, the militia began to disperse, and look out for plunder.  But in a few minutes Stark received information that a large reinforcement was on their march, and within two miles of him.  Fortunately at the moment Col. Warner came up with his regiment from Manchester.  This brave and experience officer commanded a regiment of continental troops, which had been raised in Vermont.  Mortified that he had not been in the former engagement, he instantly led on his men against Breyman, and began the second engagement.  Stark collected the militia as soon as possible, and pushed on to his assistance.  The action became general, and the battle continued obstinate on both sides till sunset, when the Germans were forced to give way and were pursued till dark.  They left their two field pieces behind, and a considerable number were made prisoners.  They retreated in the best manner they could, improving the advantages of the evening and night, to which alone their escape was ascribed.

"In these actions the Americans took 4 brass field pieces, 12 brass drums, 250 dragoon swords, 4 ammunition wagons, and about 700 prisoners, with their arms and accoutrements,--207 men were found dead upon the spot, the numbers of wounded were unknown.  The loss of the Americans was but small; 30 were slain, and about 40 were wounded."
John W. Barber, Henry Howe, 1844