This painting is by John Trumbull, who fought in the War of Independence. It was completed in 1821, but the personalities featured are based on sketches made by Trumbull in the 1790s. John Burgoyne surrendered his army of British, German and American loyalists to General Horatio Gates on 17 October 1777. He is shown offering his sword to General Gates who apparently refused to take it. The prominent American figure dressed in white is Daniel Morgan who commanded the sharpshooters who caused so many casualties among the British officers. The mounted figure on the left is the American light cavalry officer, Captain Seymour and the figure on the right is Major Stevens who commanded the American artillery. Burgoyne is accompanied by the bald Brigadier-General Phillips who commanded the British artillery. The American flag flying over the tent shows the first version, 13 stars, representing the 13 original states at that time. The red and white stripes represent the 13 colonies that won independence in the war.
Regimental Details
