Auction Name: 2026 June 19 The John H. Freund Americana Collection Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 42016

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6331*42016

[Revolutionary War]. A State of the Expedition from Canada, As Laid Before the House of Commons, by Lieutenant-General Burgoyne... London: Printed for J. Almon, 1780.

4to (8 1/2 x 10 1/4 inches). Bound to style in modern full mottled calf, covers double-ruled in blind, spine ruled in gilt with red label and gilt lettering, five raised bands. Illustrated with one folding map and five folding battle plans, each partially hand-colored.

First edition of General John Burgoyne's formal defense of his ill-fated Canadian campaign, culminating in his surrender at Saratoga in October 1777. Prepared for presentation before the House of Commons, the work is Burgoyne's attempt to justify his decisions and assign responsibility for one of the most consequential British defeats of the Revolutionary War.

The surrender of nearly 6,000 British and Hessian troops at Saratoga marked a turning point in the conflict. The American victory demonstrated the viability of the colonial cause and directly influenced Louis XVI of France to enter into negotiations with the Americans. The resulting Franco-American alliance brought crucial military and financial support, thus tipping scales of the Revolutionary War in the colonists' favor.

Condition: Excellent, with just a touch of staining and some very light foxing to the text block. Contemporary ownership signature in ink on the title page. Minor wear and separations to folding map. An attractive copy.

References: Streeter II 794; Howes B968; Sabin 9255.

Include Thumbnail(s)