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Burgoyne (JOHN an English general)

JOHN, an English general and dramatic author, born Feb. 24, 1723. After having served with distinction in Portugal, he was sent to America in 1775. He joined General Gage at GENERAL JOHN BURGOYNE Boston, with large re-enforcements, and witnessed the battle of Bunker Hill, of which he has left an animated description. After proceeding to Canada as Governor, he returned to England, but, in 1777, was dispatched to take com- BURGUNDY mand of that expedition from Canada against the United States, the failure of which so largely contributed to the establishment of American freedom. Few battles, indeed, have achieved, in their ultimate influence, results so great as the surrender of Burgoyne with 5,791 fighting men, well provided with artillery, at Saratoga, to the army of General Gates. On his return home, he was received by the King with marked disfavor. Burgoyne did not possess the genius of a great general, and was in many respects utterly inadequate to the tasks imposed upon him, yet no one can read the work published in his defense, "State of the Expedition from Canada" (London, 1780)-without acknowledging his courage, and detecting qualities, which, in a less exalted station, might have been of service to his country. Disgusted with his treatment by the govgusted ernment, he retired into private life, and devoted his leisure to the production of dramas, ma many of which, as the "Maid of the Oaks," "The Lord of the Manor," etc., were highly popular in their day.

His best play, "The Heiress," still keeps ," still keeps the stage. He died in London, Aug. 4, 1792.