Gen. John Burgoyne
Ed. note: The
following proclamation was issued by Burgoyne as his forces were
encamped at the Bouquet enroute up Lake Champlain towards the Fort
Ticonderoga/Mt. Independence complex and eventually, Saratoga. It is
typical Burgoyne style, full of bluster and grandiose speech. It was
received with much derision by the Americans, who especially criticized
Burgoyne's threatening of them with "the Indian forces under my
direction..." William Digby records a mocking, sardonic reply from the Americans
in his journal, dated July 10, and delivered to Burgoyne a few days
later. You can read the reply
here. [jpm]
By John Burgoyne
Esq'r; Lieut Gen'l of His Majesties Armies in America, Col. of the Queens
Reg't of Lt. Dragoons, Governor of Fort William in North Britain, one of
the Representatives of the Commons of Great Britain in Parliament, and
Commanding an Army and Fleet employed on an expedition from Canada &c &c
&c.
The forces entrusted to my command are designed to
act in concert, and upon a common principle, with the numerous Armies and
Fleets which already display in every quarter of America, the power, the
justice, and when properly sought the mercy of the King. The cause in
which the British Arms are thus exerted applies to the most affecting
interests of the human heart; and the military Servants of the Crown, at
first called forth for the sole purpose of restoring the rights of
constitution, now combine with love of their Country, and duty to their
Sovereign, the other extensive incitements which spring from a due sense
of the general privileges of Mankind. To the Eyes and Ears of the
temperate part of the Public, and to the breasts of suffering Thousands in
the Provinces, be the melancholy appeal whether the present unnatural
Rebellion has not been made for a foundation for the completest system of
Tyranny that ever God in his displeasure suffer'd for a time to be
exercised over a froward and stubborn Generation.
Arbitrary imprisonment, confiscation of property,
persecution and torture, unprecedented in the inquisitions of the Romish
Church are among the palpable enormities that verify the affirmative.
These are inflicted, (by the Assemblies & Committees who dare to profess
themselves friends to Liberty,) upon the most quiet Subjects, without
distinction of age or Sex, for the sole crime, often for the sole
suspicion, of having adhered in principle to the Government under which
they were born, and to which by every tye divine and human they owe
allegiance. To consummate these shocking proceedings the profanation of
Religion is added to the most profligate prostitution of common reason,
the consciences of Men are set at naught and multitudes are compelled not
only to Arms, but also to swear subjection to an usurpation they abhor.
Animated by these considerations; at the head of
Troops in full powers of health, discipline, and Valour; determined to
strike where necessary, and anxious to spare where possible, I by these
presents invite and exhort all persons, in all places where the progress
of this Army may point- and by the blessing of God I will extend it
far- to maintain such a conduct as may justify me in protecting their
Lands, habitations, and Families.
The intention of this address is to hold forth
security not depredation to the Country. To those whom spirrit and
principle may induce to partake the glorious task of redeeming their
Countrymen from Dungeons, and reistablishing the blessings of legal
Government I offer encouragement and employment; and upon the first
intelligence of their associations I will find means to assist their
undertakings. The domestick, the industrious, the infirm, and even the
timid inhabitants I am desirous to protect provided they remain quietly in
their houses, that they do not suffer their Cattle to be removed, nor
their Corn or forage to be secreted or destroyed, that they do not break
up their Bridges or Roads; nor by any other acts directly or indirectly
endeavour to obstruct the operations of the Kings Troops, or supply or
assist those of the Enemy.
Every species of Provision brought to my Camp will
be paid for at an equitable rate and in solid Coin.
Praise for "Fort
Montgomery: Through the Years..."
"...a superb job of researching and
writing...the effort alone in gathering these rare photographs and
interpreting the ruins is remarkable."
Dr. Russell P. Bellico-
Historian/Author
"Sails and Steam in the Mountains: A Maritime and Military History of
Lake George and Lake Champlain"
In consciousness of Christianity, my Royal Masters
clemency, and the honor of Soldiership, I have dwelt upon this invitation,
and wished for more persuasive terms to give it impression; and let not
people be led to disregard it by considering their distance from the
immediate situation of my Camp. I have but to give stretch to the Indian
Forces under my direction, and they amount to Thousands, to overtake the
harden'd Enemies of Great Britain and America, (I consider them the same)
wherever they may lurk. If notwithstanding these endeavours, and sincere
inclinations to effect them, the phrenzy of hostility shou'd remain, I
trust I shall stand acquitted in the Eyes of God & Men in denouncing and
executing the vengeance of the state against the wilful outcasts.
The messengers of justice & of wrath await them in
the Field, and devastation, famine, and every concomitant horror that a
reluctant by indispensible prosecution of Military duty must occasion,
will bar the way to their return.
By order of his (Signed) John Burgoyne.
Excellency the Lt. Gen'l
(Signed) Rob't Kingston.
Secretary.
Camp at Bouquet Ferry June 20th, 1777
To read
an American reply to this proclamation, click
here. |
General John
Burgoyne's Proclamation