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Mr. Philip D. Burden
P.O. Box 863,
Chalfont St. Giles, Bucks HP6 9HD,
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel: +44 (0) 1494 76 33 13
Email: enquiries@caburden.com
General John Burgoyne (1722-92) here defends his actions at the British defeat to the American forces at Saratoga, New York. His surrender to General Horatio Gates (1727-1806) on 17 October was a major turning point in the Revolution as it put an end to British attempts to cut New England off from the remaining colonies. The scene is immortalised in a painting by John Trumbell which today resides in the Rotunda of the Capitol Building, Washington D.C.
The book was published just three years later. The hopes of the campaign were high in that it was hoped to end the conflict altogether. The plan was for him to move south from Canada through Lake Champlain to Fort Ticonderoga and Lake George. He was to meet up with General William Howe at Albany and together move on to New York City. Howe, however ignored his instructions and moved on Philadelphia. Burgoyne was soon isolated by the American forces and with heavier losses, soon outnumbered 3 to 1.
It was also a turning point in that the American forces were now perceived as capable and determined. Finally in May 1778, Burgoyne was exchanged and allowed to return home where he faced bitter accusations. Demanding an audience with King George III he requested a court-martial to defend his honour. Denied both he turned to Parliament and the printed word to put things straight.
This is the more desirable first edition, first issue, of Burgoyne’s account which is accompanied by a large folding map and five battle plans by William Faden. It is complete with the two engraved overlays outlining the changes in field position. Schwartz and Ehrenberg describe this work as one of the five best illustrated works on the Revolutionary War. Provenance: Library of Ernest E. Keet. Adams (1980) 80-12a; Howes (1962) B-968; Lande 69 (second edition); Nebenzahl (1975) nos. 48, 51, 52, 53, 56, and 57; Sabin (1868-1936) 9255; Schwartz & Ehrenberg (1980).
BURGOYNE, John
A State of the Expedition from Canada, as laid before the House of Commons
J. Almon, opposite Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, 1780
FIRST EDITION. FIRST ISSUE. Quarto (275 x 220 mm.), recent half black calf. marbled paper boards, spine with raised bands, compartments with ornate blind central feature, gilt titles. With typographic title page backed and reinserted, removed inkstamp, pp. viii, 140, lxii, (2), with folding map and 5 charts, 2 with engraved overlays, partial early outline colour, each backed on contemporary silk, a few leaves with darker toning, otherwise in good condition.
Stock number: 10932
SOLD