Anthony St Leger (British Army officer)

Anthony St Leger (1731 – 1786) was a British Army officer who served primarily in North America during the 18th century. He is best known for leading a diversionary expedition up the St. Lawrence River and through the Mohawk Valley during the Saratoga campaign in 1777.

Early Life and Career:

Details about St Leger's early life are somewhat scarce, but he entered the British Army as an ensign in the 48th Regiment of Foot in 1756. He saw service in the Seven Years' War (French and Indian War in North America), gaining experience in campaigning and command.

The Saratoga Campaign:

In 1777, as a Lieutenant Colonel, St Leger was tasked with leading a force from Fort Oswego down the St. Lawrence and into the Mohawk Valley. The objective was to capture Fort Stanwix (also known as Fort Schuyler), disrupt American supply lines, and potentially link up with General John Burgoyne's main army advancing south from Canada. St Leger's expedition consisted of a mixture of British regulars, loyalist militia, and allied Native American warriors, primarily Iroquois.

Siege of Fort Stanwix:

St Leger's force laid siege to Fort Stanwix in August 1777. The fort was defended by a determined garrison of American Continental Army soldiers and New York militia under the command of Colonel Peter Gansevoort. A relief column led by General Nicholas Herkimer was ambushed by St Leger's Native American allies at the Battle of Oriskany. Despite suffering heavy casualties, Herkimer's men inflicted significant losses on the attackers.

Retreat and Aftermath:

News of an approaching second relief column under General Benedict Arnold, coupled with declining morale among his Native American allies (who were disheartened by the heavy losses at Oriskany and the stubborn resistance of Fort Stanwix), prompted St Leger to abandon the siege on August 22, 1777. He retreated back to Montreal. This failure contributed significantly to the overall defeat of Burgoyne's campaign, as it prevented St Leger from achieving his objectives and diverting American resources away from Burgoyne's advance.

Later Life:

Following the Saratoga campaign, St Leger remained in the army. He was later promoted to the rank of Colonel. He died in 1786.

Legacy:

Anthony St Leger's expedition is often remembered as a crucial element of the Saratoga campaign and a contributing factor to the British defeat. His failure to capture Fort Stanwix disrupted the overall British strategy and helped to pave the way for the American victory at Saratoga, a turning point in the Revolutionary War.