Burgoyne of Saratoga : a biography / Gerald Howson

"General John Burgoyne (24 February 1722 4 August 1792) was a British army officer, politician and dramatist. He first saw action during the Seven Years' War when he participated in several battles, mostly notably during the Portugal Campaign of 1762. Burgoyne is best known for his role in the American War of Independence. During the Saratoga campaign he surrendered his army of 5,000 men to the American troops on October 17, 1777. Appointed to command a force designated to capture Albany and end the rebellion, Burgoyne advanced from Canada but soon found himself surrounded and outnumbered. He fought two battles at Saratoga, but was forced to open negotiations with Horatio Gates. Although he agreed to a convention, on 17 October 1777, which would allow his troops to return home, this was subsequently revoked and his men were made prisoners. Burgoyne faced criticism when he returned to Britain, and never held another active command."--Wikipedia Hint of scandal -- Officer, gentleman, debtor -- Raising a regiment of horse -- La guerra fantastica -- Uproar, violence, and a fete champetre -- Sons of liberty -- "A preposterous parade of military arrangement" -- The grand strategy prepared -- Precipitate flight of the rebels -- "All my plans have been disappointed" -- High command -- "This army must not retreat" -- "A glorious spirit in our general" -- "Oh fatal ambition!" -- Havoc and desolation -- "The utmost that malevolence can say" -- The administration closes ranks -- Genius, polished manners, and fine sentiments. 1979 TIMES Books hardcover, Gerald Howson (Arms for The Untold Story of the Spanish Civil War). Life of the general who surrendered to the American forces on October 17, 1777, ten days after the Second Battle of Saratoga.