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Criticizing Burgoyne for his failure in America...
Criticizing Burgoyne for his failure in America...
Item # 705295
October 02, 1779
THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Oct. 2, 1779
* American Revolutionary War
* Gen. John Burgoyne failures
* re. Battles of Saratoga surrender
Almost the entire front page is taken up with a letter: "To Lieutenant-General Burgoyne" taken from a London newspaper and reprinted here.
Not surprisingly, the theme is critical of Burgoyne, who is best remembered as the commanding general at Saratoga who gave up that strategic post to American General Gates, a major turning point in the war, as the event spurred European support of the American cause, principally the involvement of France.
One bit note: "....that the people of this country are ever inclined to acquit the General, who has fought bravely, though he has fought unsuccessfully? This is their temper at all times, though it should, at some times, impeach their justice. In this condition you are not before them; they acknowledge that you fought bravely, alas! they know, but too fatally, that you were not successful..." and much more. The letter is signed by: Plain Sense".
Page 2 includes a letter from Baltimore concerning: "...disturbed...by various accounts of the enemy's cruizers being in Chesapeak Bay...". And additional reports concerning the Revolutionary War are on page 3. The back page includes an Act of the Mass. Legislature, signed in type by: John Hancock.
Four pages, damp staining, never-trimmed margins, generally good condition.
background: The 1779 London letter harshly condemned General John Burgoyne for his failed campaign in the American Revolutionary War, particularly focusing on his surrender at Saratoga in 1777, which marked a turning point in the conflict. The letter accused Burgoyne of poor strategic planning and a lack of adaptability, suggesting that his overly ambitious advance from Canada into the Hudson Valley was ill-conceived and poorly executed. Critics in the letter argued that Burgoyne underestimated the strength and resolve of the American forces and failed to coordinate effectively with other British commanders, leading to his isolation and eventual defeat. The letter also implied that Burgoyne’s rigid adherence to traditional military tactics and his disregard for intelligence reports contributed to his downfall. This public criticism reflected broader frustration in Britain over the loss of the American colonies and highlighted the contentious debates about military leadership and accountability in the aftermath of the war.
Category: Revolutionary War
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