Pittsfield, Massachusetts - "Frequently Called Upon To Fight"
The British troops captured at Saratoga and their guards began arriving in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, on October 24, 1777. Lieutenant Israel Bartlett of the Massachusetts militia wrote in his diary for that day: “Marched 7 miles to Pittsfield [from Lanesborough] and halted at good quarters.” [1] British Lieutenant Francis (Lord) Napier of the 31st Regiment of Foot noted that he marched six miles and arrived at Pittsfield that day as well, but nothing further, as had been the case with each entry since the surrender. [2] Massachusetts militia private David How, and those who appear to have been traveling a day behind the first division caught up, as he noted: “[Oct.] 24 This morning we Set out [from New Ashford] march’d Through Lainsborough Staid at Night at Pitsfield”. [3] It was a relatively short march, and apparently an uneventful stay. Once again primary sources for the march of the British column offer limited information on their stopping in town, including what kind of