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Burgoyne on his surrender to General Gates at Saratoga... Washington's Proclamation to deserters...
Burgoyne on his surrender to General Gates at Saratoga... Washington's Proclamation to deserters...
Item # 703518
December 08, 1777
THE BOSTON GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Dec. 8, 1777 The patriotic engraving in the masthead was done by none other than Paul Revere, showing the caged dove of peace being set free over the skyline of Boston by the symbol of liberty.
Certainly the most notable content would be the letter from General Burgoyne to Sir William Howe--found in its entirety on the front page--dated at Albany, Oct. 20, 1777. In his letter Burgoyne reflects upon the events of September that led to his historic defeat at Saratoga. Portions include: "...I passed the Hudson's river at Saratoga on the 13th of September. No exertions have been left untried. The army under my command has fought twice against great superiority of numbers. The first action was on the 19th of September, when after four hours sharp conflict we remained masters of the field of battle. The second action on the 7th of October was not so successful...The army afterwards made good that retreat to the heights of Saratoga, unable to proceed farther, the enemy having possession of all the fords & the passes on the east side of Hudson's river...at that time the last hope of timely assistance being exhausted, my numbers reduced by past actions...I was induced by the general concurrence & advice of the generals field officers...to open a treaty with Major-General Gates..." with more, signed in type: J. Burgoyne.
Also on the front page is a fine letter dated at Easton, Pennsylvania concerning Cornwallis crossing the Delaware with follow-up action. This is followed by a letter noting that Fort Mifflin was evacuated, with details.
Page 2 has a half-column: "PROCLAMATION" signed in type: G. WASHINGTON, set in larger-than-normal type to emphasize its importance. It notes in part: "...Whereas sundry soldiers belonging to the Armies of the said States have deserted from the same...who shall return; to their respective Corps, or surrender themselves to the Officers appointed to receive recruits and deserters...before the first day of January next, that they shall obtain a full and free Pardon...such obstinate offenders as do not avail themselves of the indulgence hereby offered...when apprehended...suffering the punishment justly due to crimes of such enormity..." with more.
Page 2 also has a letter beginning: "Burgoyne's defeat and surrender has been heard of in the city but they affect to disbelieve it..." then a letter from Albany beginning: "The enemy have evacuated Ticonderoga and burnt all the buildings there..." with much more find content.
Other fine war-related content as well but too much to list here, portions seen in the photos.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed minor wear at margins, some light damp staining, generally good condition.
Category: Revolutionary War
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