Gates, Horatio, 1728-1806

Staff Only

Biography

Horatio Gates was a retired British soldier who served as an American general during the Revolutionary War. On Washington's recommendation, the Continental Congress made Gates the Adjutant General of the Continental Army in 1775. He was assigned command of Fort Ticonderoga in 1776 and command of the Northern Department in 1777. Shortly after Gates took charge of the Northern Department, the Continental Army defeated the British at the crucial Battles of Saratoga. After the battle, some members of Congress considered replacing Washington with Gates, but Washington ultimately retained his position as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. Gates has been described as "one of the Revolution's most controversial military figures" because of his role in the Conway Cabal, which attempted to discredit and replace George Washington. Transferred in June 1780, Gates was disastrously defeated by Lord Cornwallis at the Battle of Camden, South Carolina, on August 16.

Found in 5 Collections and/or Records:

Horatio Gates letter

Collection

Identifier: Mss 775605

Mss 775605

Date(s): 1775-11-05

Scope and Contents

Letter from Horatio Gates to "Dear Sir," sending letters to be forwarded.

Horatio Gates statement

Collection

Identifier: Mss 792525

Mss 792525

Date(s): 1792-09-25

Scope and Contents

Statement from Horatio Gates of New York in regard to John Wheelock's military service.

John Wheelock letter

Collection

Identifier: Mss 779127

Mss 779127

Date(s): 1779-01-27

Scope and Contents

Photocopy of a letter from John Wheelock in Haverhill, NH to General Gates, informing him that he has intimated to Col. Bedel Gates dispatches to Congress regarding supplies he is to guard; expects the Committees of Safety to meet soon; mention Capt. Travers and Major Childs.

John Wheelock letter

Collection

Identifier: Mss 779158.1

Mss 779158.1

Date(s): 1779-02-08

Scope and Contents

Photocopy of letter from John Wheelock in Dresden to Gen. Gates informing him that due to the illness of his father he has been somewhat confined: expects Capt. Travers in a few days.

W. Smith letter

Collection

Identifier: Mss 778174

Mss 778174

Date(s): 1778-02-24

Scope and Contents

Three-page letter from Capt. W. Smith of Hanover, New Hampshire to Gen. Horatio Gates, recommending his son Capt. Smith to be Secretary at the War Office, mentions Wilkinson.