Autographs
1777 Ethan Allen Prisoner Negociations Revolutionary War Period “True Copy” General Burgoyne to General Gates
(JOHN BURGOYNE) (1722-1792). British Army General during the American Revolutionary War. (ETHAN ALLEN) (1738-1789) was born at Litchfield, CT., as military leader of the Vermont “Green Mountain Boys,” stormed Fort Ticonderoga, capturing its garrison, then captured Crown Point, Fort Ann, and Fort St. John.
October 2, 1777-Dated Revolutionary War, Original True Copy (written as a copy of the original at that time) of a Signed Letter sent from British General John Burgoyne to American Major General Gates, at “Camp near Behmus’s Heights,” 1 page, measuring 8” x 13”, Choice Very Fine. On September 24, 1775, during an ill-advised attack on Montreal, Allen was captured by the British. Initially considered a traitor, Allen was shipped to England and imprisoned at Pendennis Castle in Cornwall. He remained a prisoner of war until being exchanged for Colonel Archibald Campbell in May of 1778. There is actually an entire book entitled: “A Narrative of Colonel Ethan Allen's Captivity” by Ethan Allen. It is an autobiographical work, originally published in 1923. Allen describes his brief military career at the start of the American Revolution, his horrific two-year captivity by the British, and his final release and journey back to his beloved Vermont. Here, British Major General “Gentleman John” Burgoyne discusses the potential release of Ethan Allen which are in current active negotiations. Mentioned are Sir Henry Clinton, plus Sir William Howe and General George Washington! This truly remarkable, historic letter reads, in full:

“Copy of a letter from Genl. Burgoyne to Genl. Gates dated Camp near Behmus’s Heights - Octr. 2nd 1777. ------

Sir --- As your letter of the 28th past did not require an immediate answer I deferred troubling you till the return of Cornet Graffe.

I conceive that Mr. Ethan Allen is detained or a prisoner of State, but without entering into that consideration, I think it would be inconsistent with the powers or propriety of Sir Henry Clinton’s Station or mine, to interfere in a matter which has already been under discussion between Sir William Howe and Genl. Washington.

If you are inclined, Sir, to make any exchange of Officers or men taken by the Armies under our immediate respective commands, I shall be ready to treat with you. --- I am --- Sir, Your most obedient Serv’t. --- (Signed) J. Burgoyne.”

(Addressed at lower left To) “M(ajor) Genl. Gates -”

Docket upon the blank reverse side reads: “/Copy/ - Genl. Burgoyne to Genl. Gates - Oct. 2nd 1777”.

This Letter is written with great clarity upon fresh, clean high quality period laid paper bearing a large central seated British Royalty within a double oval. The handwriting is sharp being in rich brown and secretarially signed “J. Burgoyne” at bottom right. There are six prior early fold edge reinforcements upon the blank reverse with just some slight show-through. An extraordinary Revolutionary War Period “True Copy” Letter between General Burgoyne to General Gates.
Elected Colonel-commandant of the local militia, better known as the "Green Mountain Boys." During the early months of the American Revolution, Ethan Allen held no official rank in the Continental Army. Upon his exchange and release by the British in 1778, Allen was given the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Continental Army, and Major General of militia. After returning to Vermont later that year, he was made a General in the Army of Vermont.