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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC04782 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to 1777 |
| Title | Articles of Convention between Lt. Gen. Burgoyne & Majr. Gen. Gates |
| Date | 16 October 1777 |
| Author | Gates, Horatio (cb. 1727-1806) |
| Document Type | Military document |
| Content Description | 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. |
| Subjects | Revolutionary War Revolutionary War General Military History Battle of Saratoga Battle Surrender Prisoner of War Weaponry Artillery Treaty Canada Continental Army Global History and Civics Foreign Affairs |
| People | Gates, Horatio (cb. 1727-1806) |
| Place written | Saratoga, New York |
| Theme | The American Revolution; Law; Foreign Affairs |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |