American Revolution
1872 First Edition "THE FIGHT AT DIAMOND ISLAND" Revolutionary War Battle Account Cut British Supply Lines
1872-Dated, First Edition Imprint, "THE FIGHT AT DIAMOND ISLAND," Number 31, Limited to Only 200 Printed, by Reverend B. F. DeCosta, Published by J. Sabin & Sons, 84 Nassau St, N.Y.C., Choice Extremely Fine.
Impressive private publication, measuring a large 7" x 11" (8vo.) with its original wraps, having a crisp clean internal appearance with no major defects. The Revolutionary War year of 1777 saw British Major General "Gentleman" John Burgoyne fighting the American Northern Continental Army, then under Major General Horatio Gates, near Saratoga, NY. The British supply lines extended far back into Canada with a major depot at Fort George and on DIAMOND ISLAND, which is about three miles down the lake from Fort Ticonderoga. This original First Edition is the account of the battle to cut those supply lines and thus drive the British back towards Canada. A lovely, clean copy in choice condition, of this rare historic booklet. Reverend B. F. DeCosta was also the author of "Notes on the History of Fort George...". Number 31 of 200 printed. Great insights. The first we have seen and offered.


British Major General "Gentleman" John Burgoyne is best known for his role in the American War of Independence. During the Saratoga campaign he surrendered his army of 5,000 men to the American troops on October 17, 1777.



Appointed to command a force designated to capture Albany and end the rebellion, Burgoyne advanced from Canada but soon found himself surrounded and outnumbered. He fought two battles at Saratoga, but was forced to open negotiations with Horatio Gates. Although he agreed to a convention, on 17 October 1777, which would allow his troops to return home, this was subsequently revoked and his men were made prisoners. Burgoyne faced criticism when he returned to Britain, and never held another active command.