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Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates (National Archives)

Oct. 17, 1777: A British army of nearly 7,000 surrendered to a combined force of American militia and Continental regulars near Saratoga, N.Y. "The fortunes of war have made me your prisoner," said British Gen. John Burgoyne as he handed over his sword to American Gen. Horatio Gates. "I shall always be ready to testify that it was through no fault of your excellency," Gates replied. (National Archives)

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Maj. Gen.
Horatio Gates

Lionized For Victory At Saratoga, Undone By Defeat At Camden -- And Whispers Of Conspiracy

By Bethanne Kelly Patrick
Military.com Columnist

Humbly born in England, Horatio Gates began his military career with the British army. He fought in Nova Scotia, French Martinique, and under Gen. Edward Braddock in the French and Indian Wars, during which Gates was severely wounded. Finding that the rigid English class system blocked his advancement, Gates resigned his major's commission in 1765 and emigrated to the American colonies seven years later.

Already disillusioned with British rule, Gates soon declared his loyalty to the patriot cause. At the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, he was given the rank of brigadier general and appointed adjutant general in the regular Army. Gates proved to be an excellent administrator and by 1776 had been promoted to major general and appointed commander of the Northern Army. In this position, he clashed early and often with Gen. Philip Schuyler, particularly when Gates received the lion's share of the praise for the stunning colonial defeat of Gen. "Gentleman Johnny" Burgoyne at Saratoga on Oct. 17, 1777.

On the strength of this success, Gates was appointed to the Board of War in late 1777. The infamous "Conway cabal," which sought to replace Washington with Gates, is supposed to have taken place at this time. There is now some doubt on the part of historians that the conspiracy ever existed, but whispers of Gates' involvement in this and in the "Newburgh conspiracy" tarnished his reputation.

After a command in Boston and a sabbatical on his Virginia plantation, Gates became commander of the Southern Army, which was routed by the British in the Battle of Camden, S.C., on Aug. 16, 1780. The untrained, nearly destitute force broke and ran when attacked. Gates, formerly the recipient of many accolades, now received much blame for his part in the defeat. He was replaced by Gen. Nathanael Greene.

After further service, he sold his plantation, emancipated his slaves, and bought a farm in the environs of modern Manhattan. He served one term in the state legislature, and died on his New York farm on April 10, 1806.