The
inscription inside the bowl reads: “Success to General Burgoyne in Canada.” This
bowl was presented to General John Burgoyne (1722-1792) in 1777, upon his
departure for Canada
to assume command of the British army there. He had orders to take his army
south and engage the American rebels. He underestimated the prowess of the
American militia with the result that his army was defeated at the Battle of
Saratoga. Gentleman Johnny, as he was known, finished his life as a playwright.