Gates, Horatio (c. 1727–1806)

American general Horatio Gates was appointed brigadier general of the Continental Army by George Washington in 1775. He won a major victory over the British at the Battle of Saratoga Springs in 1777.

British-born American military leader. George Washington appointed him brigadier general in the Continental Army in 1775 at the outbreak of the American Revolution. In command of the Northern Department, Gates won a tide-turning victory at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777 after several American losses and retreats.

Born in Maldon, Essex, Gates joined the British army, serving in Nova Scotia, Canada, and seeing action in the Seven Year's War 1756–63. After returning to England, he emigrated to America 1772. Falling out of favour with Washington, he was dispatched to the South, where his defeat at the Battle of Camden in 1780 effectively ended his military career.