Even a Friendly Army Does Damage

Even a Friendly Army Does Damage. Saratoga National Historical Park. , John and Lydia Neilson never imagined that their home would be in the path of an invading army. The Neilsons knew they were in harm's way. Husband and wife left for safety farther south., Later, John saw what damage the Americans had done to his property. His fences were “Taken and Burnt”, his hayfields "used as pasture,” and “40 Bushels of Potatoes Taken by the Soldiers." Generals Benedict Arnold and Enoch Poor used his home as a headquarters., Arnold led the American army’s left wing here. Despite the “repeated Ill Treatment I have met with have met with and continue to daily receive” from General Gates and his staff, Arnold made up his mind to stay here “at this Critical Juncture when my Country needs Every support.”, [Captions:] , Lieutenant Colonel Richard Varick served as one of Arnold’s aides. He fueled the feud between Arnold and Gates. Brick said he would rather see Gates “down’s and Quartered rather than do anything for him out of my Line.”, The Neilsons were a young couple and built this house about 1775. The additions you see in this photo came later. Once removed, the Neilson house regained its original form. It is a witness to what happened here in 1777. Neilson House, Saratoga Battlefield, attributed to Jesse S. Wooley, ca. 1925., Benedict Arnold by Benoit-Louis Prevost, 1781 after Pierre Eugene de Simitiére, 1777.