Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1853-12-09
MiistdIanu.


SURRENDER OF BURG0yNE.
The following incident connected with
the surrender of Burgoyne may not
prove uninteristing:
On the 18th. Gen. Burgoyne made
overturcs to Gates, who required the
British to be drawn up in the encamp-
mcnt and Internationally ground their
arms. Burgoyne replied thatthis would
be inadmissable in any extremity, as
the British army to n man would pre-
fer death to such dishonor. Gates
ut last allowed them the privilege Of
marching out with the honors of war,
and the terms of surrender were mutu-
ally agreed upon: and on the morning
ofthe nth Of October, l777, Burgoyne
with his general officers, surrendered
their swords 10 Gates. Burgoyne in q
rich royal uniform. was received by
Gates atthe head ofthe American camp;
the former came up within swords
length, refined up andhalted; Burgoyne
raising his hat most graciously said:-
"The fortune Of war, Mr.. Gates, has
made me your prisoner. ito which the
conqueror returning n courtly salute.
promptly replied. al shall always be
ready to bear testimony that Il has not
been through any fault Of your excel
lency."
Afterwards General Schuyler invited
Gen. Burgcyne and suite TO bis house,
al were received by his family, not as
enemies, but rs friends. Gen. Bur-
gcyne. a few days previous having
burnt Gen. Schuyler's mills, house. dc.
the value Of which was over $50. 600,
was completely overcome by his kind.
ness. and said TO General Schuyler
you. sir. treat me with great kindness
after have done you greatinjury."--
Schuylerfaplicd: o, that, General. was
the fortune Of war. We are now friends.
Burgoyne had the highest segasd for
Gen. Washington--who sympathised
with him in the following language:
"vicwing you in the light Of an off,
Ger eontending against what | consider
che right Of my country. the reverses
offortunc you experienc in the 6eldcan
not be tome unacceptable: but abstract
ed from considerations Of national ad-
vantage, can sincerely sympathiso
with your feelings rs soldier. the un-
avoidsble difficulties Of whose situation
forbade his success. and Ms a man whose
lot combines the calamity Of i'll hea th,
che anxiety Of captivity, and the pain
mi sensibility for reputation exposed
where he most values II. to the assaults
OF malice and detraction."
Burgoyne was free 10 acknowledge
every noble and lofty sentiment. lie
replied 10 Washington: IL beg you 10
accept my acknowledgements find
the character which knew TO be res
pcctabIs, u also amiable--and should
have few greater private qualifications
In seeing our melancholy contest nj m
end. than that OF culiyating your
friendship"
In the surrender Gates stipulated
that Burgoyne might go home TO Eng
land on patrole. Burgoync made his
defence and proved TO every unpreju-
diced mind that he had lost the army
not by his own judgment but by follow
inghis instructions. The modification
OF his supcriors at this defeat. under the
severe lash OF those who opposed the
war. made Il necessary 10 throw the
responsibility from the Government
on 10 their commanding General, and
Burgoyne was actually ordered to re.
turn 10 America by the King to resume
his captivity. This cruel treatment to
one Of their generals shortened his days.
Ills return was not insisted upon, but
he was obliged TO resign all his Offices
and emoluments. which were very con.
siderable. He lived retired life ill
August, iT92. when he died by hiso
hand. prey todisappointment and in.
justice OF his country.