Gates, Horatio, 1727-1806 Articles of Convention between Lt. Gen. Burgoyne & Majr. Gen. Gates
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04782 Author/Creator: Gates, Horatio, 1727-1806 Place Written: Saratoga, New York Type: Manuscript document Date: 16 October 1777 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; Height: 23 cm, Width: 18.5 cm Order a Copy
Two clerical signatures for Gates, once to affirm the document and again to confirm that Burgoyne's name is understood to be used throughout. Treaty documents the terms of surrender of Burgoyne's army after its defeat at the Battle of Saratoga by Gates. Negotiations started on 13 October 1777 and Burgoyne attempted to draw them out as long as possible to see if Sir Henry Clinton's expedition from New York would be able to save him. On 16 October 1777 Burgoyne again tried to stall by claiming militia leaving Gates's army made the initial conditions of his surrender void. Burgoyne was eventually persuaded to sign the treaty on 17 October 1777. The Convention is divided into 13 points, which were generous toward the British. Among some of the points: Burgoyne's men were allowed to march off the field with the "honors of war," but later had to leave their muskets and artillery in a field. The troops were supposed to march to Boston and eventually be returned to Britain until an exact number of American troops were exchanged. Canadians were allowed to return home.
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