"I AM HERE TO VINDICATE MY CONDUCT AGAINST THE FALSE AND BARBAROUS INTERPRETATIONS THAT HAVE ARISEN": GENERAL BURGOYNE ON THE SURRENDER AT SARATOGA

(AMERICAN REVOLUTION) (WASHINGTON, George). BURGOYNE, John. The Substance of General Burgoyne's Speeches, On Mr. Vyner's Motion, On the 26th of May; And upon Mr. Hartley's Motion, On the 28th of May, 1778. With an Appendix Containing General Washington's Letter to General Burgoyne. London: J. Almon, 1778. Slim octavo, period-style half brown calf and marbled boards, red spine label; pp. (iv), 1-42, (6). $2200.

First edition of Gen. Burgoyne's impassioned self-defense during the Parliamentary inquiry into his conduct in the Saratoga Campaign.

Much criticized over the British loss at Saratoga in 1777, "Gentleman Johnny" Burgoyne here responds to a variety of accusations that he mismanaged the army's Native American allies, burned the countryside indiscriminately, handled transportation inappropriately, let great numbers of troops desert under his watch and bore overall responsibility for the embarrassing defeat. The text of a letter from George Washington is included, in answer to a question regarding Burgoyne's parole. Adams, American Controversy 78-11a. ESTC T102841. Evans 15752. Howes B969. Sabin 9257.

Text very fresh with mere traces of foxing; half title lightly soiled. Binding slightly rubbed. A near-fine copy, handsomely bound.