Let's now meet British General John Burgoyne. Nicknamed "Gentleman Johnny" for his humane treatment of his soldiers, General Burgoyne earned a bold and aggressive reputation in Europe during the Seven Years' War. He was dashing: a reckless gambler, an amateur actor and even a playwright. In 1776, he commanded the British attack of upper New York from Canada, but due to his late start in the fighting season and a gallant American defense at Valcour Island, his army returned to Canada for the winter after achieving minor tactical victories. Then, since he would be the British commander in Canada for the 1777 Campaign, he made a winter crossing of the North Atlantic to London, where his lobbied Secretary for the American Colonies, Lord George Germain, to get approval for his planned invasion of New York from Canada in spring 1777.
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