HORATIO GATES

Gates, Horatio (1727/8-1806) General: Gates began his military career in the British Army, serving in Nova Scotia and along the frontier from Virginia to New York. Seven years after he retired from the British army in 1765, he moved to Virginia. Three years later, Congress commissioned him adjutant general of the Continental Army. Later, he served as commander of the Northern Department. He was highly capable in both positions, and defeated Burgoyne at Saratoga in 1777. After this victory, Congress appointed Gates as the head of the Board of War. Gates suffered from two major blows to his reputation: a crushing defeat at the Battle of Camden and rumors of his desire and attempts to replace George Washington as Commander-in-Chief. After the war, Gates played only a minor role in politics, and died in New York in wealth but relative obscurity.