Lot 8
Burgoyne, John -- 1782 ALS as Commander in Chief of Ireland (1722-1792) British general, best remembered for his defeat by American forces at Saratoga in 1777, which was a turning point in the American Revolution. Burgoyne returned to England and from 1782-83 served as Commander in Chief of Ireland before retiring to private life. Autograph letter signed ("J: Burgoyne") as Commander in Chief of Ireland, 3 pages, 9 x 7", Oct. 17, 1782. Written five years to the day after his surrender to American forces at Saratoga and one and a half months before the Treaty of Paris formally ended the Revolutionary War, to Rt. Hon:ble Mr. Townshend and marked "Private." "…I must give my opinion decidedly against the experiment of [Capt. Murray's] corps or any new Corps to be levied in Ireland at this Crisis….I sincerely think Government is bound in policy & honour not to interfere with other…levies till their…time is expired, or nearly so, that their success or failure can be ascertained." He adds, "I am much obliged to you for your confirmation of the success at Gibraltar against the floating batteries. God send it may be a prelude to a victory of the fleet…" George Townshend, brother of Charles Townshend (of the infamous Townshend Acts), had been Viceroy of Ireland from 1767-72. With Lord North, he was instrumental in imposing greater British control over Ireland. He was promoted to full general in November 1782. Estimate Value $1,500 - UP
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| Realized $1,313 |
