Burgoyne, John | General Burgoyne's Account of His Defeat at Saratoga

Burgoyne, John

A State of the Expedition from Canada, as Laid Before the House of Commons, by Lt. General Burgoyne and Verified by Evidence; with a Collection of Authentic Documents. London: Printed for J. Almon, 1780

Large 4to (270 x 209 mm). Folding engraved map and 5 folding battle-plans by W. Faden, partially handcolored, two with engraved overlays, advertisement leaf at end; folding plates linen-backed (excepting 2 battle-plans) with some light foxing and soiling. Modern three-quarter brown morocco over cloth, ruled in gilt, spine gilt in six compartments, all edges gilt, marbled endpapers.

First edition of Burgoyne's justification of his conduct during the 1777 campaign, and his defeat at Saratoga. When he returned to London in 1778, he requested an audience with the King as well a court-martial to redeem his reputation. Both were denied; Burgoyne presented his case to the House of Commons and published this account in his defense, demonstrating that the forces he was given were not sufficient to accomplish the task.

REFERENCE

ESTC T117437; Howes B968, "aa"; Lande 69; Revolutionary Hundred 63; Sabin 9255; Streeter sale 2:794