1977 Surrender At Saratoga Block of 4 13c Postage Stamps - MNH, OG - Sc# 1728

On October 7, 1977, in Schuylerville, NY. the Postal Service celebrated the 200th anniversary of a decisive defeat at Old Saratoga (now Schuylerville), when British General John Burgoyne found his forces surrounded by American General Horatio Gates and his men. Ten days later on October 17, 1777, the formal surrender took place. Riding forward in splendid uniform, Burgoyne was introduced to the small, plainly-clad American general. Gates, the son of a Duke's housekeeper, was "determined to show his good manners by playing the magnanimous victor." By prearrangement, Burgoyne handed Gates his sword and Gates returned it to him. Stamp designer, Bradbury Thompson, used this scene that John Trumbull reproduced in his famous painting. Europe took note of the amazing news from the woods of upstate New York and the British loss, a significant turning point in the war, contributed to the American Alliance with France.