It's not known, for certain, if this song was written and published during the American Revolutionary War. It first appeared in print in the June 1841 issue of the Iris magazine. It was then published in volume XXI of Graham's Lady's And Gentleman's Magazine, published in 1842.
The song includes numerical figures for the losses sustained by the British army during the 'Northern Campaign' which culminated in the American victory at Saratoga.
The tune to which this song was set is not known.
Here followeth the direful fate Of Burgoyne and his army great, Who so proudly did display The terrors of despotic sway.
His power, and pride, and many threats, Have been brought low by fort'nate Gates, To bend to the United States.
British prisoners by Convention,.....2442 Foreigners-by Contra-vention,.....2198 Tories sent across the Lake,.....1100 Burgoyne and suite, in state,.....12
Sick and wounded, bruised and pounded, Ne'er so much before confounded,.....528 Prisoners of war before Convention,.....400 Deserters come with kind intention,.....300
They lost at Bennington's great battle, Where glorious Starke's arms did rattle,.....1220 Killed in September and October,.....600 Ta'en by brave Brown, some drunk, some sober,.....413
Slain by high-famed Herkerman, On both flanks, on rear and van,.....300 Indians, settlers, and drovers, Enough to crowd large plains all over,
And those whom grim Death did prevent From fighting against our continent;.....4413 And also those who stole away, Lest down their arms they should lay,
Abhorring that obnoxious day; The whole make fourteen thousand men, Who may not with us fight again,.....14,000
This is a pretty just account Of Burgoyne's legions whole amount, Who came across the Northern Lakes To desolate our happy States.
Their brass cannons we have got all - Fifty-six - both great and small; And ten thousand stand of arms, To prevent all future harms;
Stores and implements complete, Of workmanship exceeding neat; Covered wagons in great plenty, And proper harness, no way scanty.
Among our prisoners there are Six Generals, of fame most rare; Six members of their Parliament - Reluctantly they seem content;
Three British Lords, and Lord Bellcaras, Who came, our country free to harass. Two Baronets of high extraction, Were sorely wounded in the action.
