Gates, Horatio 1728-1806
American Revolutionary general

Born in Maldon, England, he entered the English army, served in America under Edward Braddock, escaped from the disaster of the Duguesne expedition (1755) and, on the peace of 1763, purchased an estate in Virginia. In the American Revolution (1775-83) he sided with his adoptive country, and in 1775 was made adjutant-general, and in 1776 commander of the army which had just retreated from Canada. In August 1777 he commanded the northern department, and compelled the surrender of the British army under John Burgoyne at Saratoga in October. This success gained him a great reputation, and he sought to supplant George Washington, the Commander-in-Chief. In 1780 he commanded the army of the South, but was routed by Charles Cornwallis near Camden, South Carolina. He retired to Virginia until 1790, emancipated his slaves and settled in New York, where he died.

Bibliography: Paul D Nelson, Horatio Gates (1976)