New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-10-17
tured prisoners of war were retained while the war


tured prisoners of war were retained while the war
lasted
ErrTcT CT TIE VICTORY.
The importance Of the surrender of Bnrgoyne can
not be ovorestimated. IL the irst great Amerl-
can victory. IL had been won "by American free-
holders and the Of freeholders.' 1t was pre-
cnnuently triumph of men. aud not of one e eat
General. II came when Washington was sun rhg
defeats in Pennsylvania, and when many of our
stro lgholds passing into the hands oil the
enemy; when Congress had I'D from Phiadel-
phia 70 York. when the treasury was eX-
haus'ed. when loyalists were encouraged aud
patriots disheartened. One effect of II was TO
restore the credit of the suffering colonies, for
the b lis of Congress Immediately rose twenty per
cent in value Volunteers came in great numbers
TO the camp. Gates ut the moment became the
pppular hero Congress voted 70 him "a u"d ~ OF
gold. The indlguitics which he had ohcr.d 10
Washington were forgotten, Aud u WOMB h iN9
been tier for his historical reputation IT they hau
not boon renewed lie never won another nililafy
honor, and { battle Of Camden materially lessened
in TO which, II is POSSIBLE, he was not en'i rd.,
When the news of Burgoyne's surrender Raced
England, IT naturally created great excitement. Inc
opponents of the Ministry IN Parliament improved
the opportunity. Lord Chatham had 9lready pI Pre-
dicted ihe less of Burgoync's army. The intclll-
pence had arrived on the Sd of December and that
very dav Colonel Barre asked Lord George Ger
main the Secretary Of War, what news he hah re-
tler asked the noble lord to state upon his word oil
honor what had bee inIc Of Burgoyne and his army.
German was obliged to confess the worst;
Lord North admitted the disasters, but tired
TO excnpate Ministers from all responsibility. lie
conriu ed 10y moving an adjournment of Parliament
t. Tire Goth of January. t. the American Commits
,oners AT Paris the news was exceedingly welcome.
Franklin Dcane and Lee were suddenly raised To
pace Of great diplomatic importance. The powers
began to respect the new Republic. BY November
negotiations were opened for treaty of alntv ana
commerce with France. She soon d cIded TO ac-
knowledge the independence of the United States,
which was formally done February g, 177s.
General Burgoyne might we'll feel some douht OF
his kindly reception IN England. Upon his arrival
the King refused to him. lie asked for court
martial but It was refused Lin, Oh the ground that
a prisoner upon parole could not be tried. tie
printed the story Of bis misadvenures, and IN Par
lament he made speeches IN vln'licatIOn OF his
campaiCn with some show Of reason throwing me
blame If his discontinue upon the Secretary OF
War thr0ugl whose NEGLECT, II rs sad, the Orders
for Howcs cooperation never left the Office IN Lon
dom some attempts we're made 10 exclude
him from Parliament. on the ground that ne
was prisoner. lie resigned all his appoint
meuts He was restored To his rank IN the army III
1882 aud made prlvy councillor and comma der
ii-chef IN Ireland, lie retired from public HE III
1884. lie had some literary prctenSloIS and gave
several plays to the stage, one OF winch. Inc
HeIreSS' WAS for years occasionally performed
UaStv self-wIlled, luxurious IN his habits, and IN
oIdniatey disuutatoUs lie may have been a toler-
bic playwuglt-it must be confessed that he was
not a great General