BURGOYNE, JOHN. 1722-1792.


A State of the Expedition from Canada, as laid before the House of Commons. London: J. Almon, 1780. 4to (265 x 212 mm). 6 engraved folding maps, partially hand-colored. Contemporary marbled calf, spine defective, covers detached."I am still convinced [nothing] could have justified me to my country, have saved me from the condemnation of my profession, or produced pardon within my own breast, had I not advanced, and tried a battle with the enemy." Burgoyne was given command of British troops in Canada in 1777. After successes at Fort Ticonderoga and Fort Edward, Burgoyne was overwhelmed by Horatio Gates's forces at Saratoga. His troops suffered a crippling defeat at Bemis Heights at the Battle of Freeman's Farm, surrendering in October 1777. Burgoyne had been so convinced of the success of his venture that he had bet ten pounds that he would be victorious even before leaving Britain. In the event the defeat proved a vital turning point in favor of the Continental Army in the War of Independence, giving France the encouragement it needed to join the American effort. Believing his defeat to be the result of lack of support from Generals Howe and Clinton, Burgoyne begged first an audience with the King, and then a court martial in order to clear his name. Howes B-968; Sabin 9255; Staton & Tremaine/TPL 503.