U.S. History

From Major-General Gates.

Albany, 23 November, 1777.

SIR,

I am just now honored with the receipt of your Excellency’s letter of the 14th instant, from White Marsh. I have never entertained the smallest idea that General Burgoyne should be permitted to exchange the port of embarkation, or that the least variation of the spirit and letter of the Convention would be indulged to the troops under his command. There is no doubt but the British regiments, upon their arrival in England, will be ordered to do duty there; but the Germans cannot, by the laws, serve in Great Britain or Ireland.

If General Burgoyne has any sinister design, what I suggested to Congress in my letter of the 10th instant, a copy of which I conclude your Excellency has received, will be a good method of delaying, if not finally preventing, the execution of his project.

I shall write to-morrow, by the Boston post, to General Glover, who is charged with the embarkation of the prisoners under the Convention, and send him a copy of your Excellency’s letter. I am, Sir,

Your Excellency’s most obedient, humble servant,

HORATIO GATES.