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1780 General John Burgoyne Book: A State of the Expedition from Canada

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:450.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 800.00 USD
1780 General John Burgoyne Book: A State of the Expedition from Canada
American Revolution
Scarce 1780 Book Containing General John Burgoyne’s Account of His Surrender to American Forces at Saratoga
1780 Book entitled: “A State of the Expedition from Canada,” by Lt. Gen. John Burgoyne, London, 2nd Edition, Very Good.
Published in 1780 this scarce book is fully entitled: “A State of The Expedition from Canada, as Laid before the House of Commons, By Lieutenant-General Burgoyne and Verified by Evidence; with a Collection of Authentic Documents and an Addition of Many Circumstances which were Prevented from Appearing Before the House by the Prorogation of Parliament. Written and Collected by Himself. Dedicated To The Officers of The Army He Commanded. The Second Edition.” This copy is complete except for its maps, has some scattered edge chipping including on the title page right edge from use and ending with its “Finis” page. A fold-out table that is separated at the fold is included titled: “Return of the Army of the United States, commanded by Major General Gates, Camp at Saratoga, October 16, 1777.”

Considered a turning-point for the American Revolution, Burgoyne’s surrender at Saratoga is dramatically justified in this volume. Its original hard board covers are not present. The title page is in good condition with minor tears to right margin. The interior is in generally good condition with normal age tone. A difficult book to find, and a must for any contemporary context Revolutionary War Historian.
British General John Burgoyne is best known for his role in the American War of Independence. During the Saratoga, New York campaign he surrendered his Army of 5,000 men to the American troops on October 17, 1777. Appointed to command a force designated to capture Albany, New York and end the American rebellion, Burgoyne advanced from Canada but soon found himself surrounded and outnumbered. He fought two battles at Saratoga, but was forced to open negotiations with American General Horatio Gates.

Although he agreed to a convention on 17 October 1777, which would allow his troops to return home, this was subsequently revoked, and his men were made prisoners of war. Burgoyne faced criticism when he returned to Britain, and never held another active military command.