What is the significance of horatio gates

However, as the failed American effort to conquer Canada ended before his arrival, Gates was relegated to command at Forts Ticonderoga and Independence in the Northern Department under the auspices of Major General Philip Schuyler. Gates held nominal commands during the first half of , but on August 4, Congress dismissed Schuyler perceived as ineffectual in dealing with the British invasion from Canada and appointed Gates to replace him.

As such, Gates assumed command of the Northern Department on August 19 and commanded the Northern Army in the Battles of Saratoga , his first army-level command. His sensible defensive strategy, combined with Major General Benedict Arnold 's aggressive battle tactics, defeated Burgoyne.

Appointed president of the newly-configured Board of War by Congress on November 27, Gates was tasked with overhauling Continental Army management and overseeing another Canadian invasion. Concurrently, Washington faced backbiting criticism over his military failures of , with some suggesting that Gates should replace Washington as commander-in-chief. Gates supported the agitators, some of whom called for acting in opposition to congressional authority.

Gates went on leave shortly afterward in order to spend time Elizabeth, who was incapacitated with a serious illness. The next year he met Schuyler once more when they were to fight the battle of Ticonderoga together, before General John Burgoyne advanced. In this battle, Gates got into an argument with Benedict Arnold. Arnold ended up disobeying Gates orders to stay in camp , charged with the men, and was primarily responsible for the victory at Saratoga. In late he was appointed as President of the Board of War and took up the post in January He did this while still a field general, a conflict of interest possible only because of friends in the Continental Congress, in particular Thomas Mifflin.

It was during this time that he started competing with General George Washington to displace him as Commander-in-Chief. He retired afterward back to his estate in Virginia. In early , he again took command of the Southern Department, which turned out to be untrained militia. They were sorely defeated since his men were untrained.

New York: William Morrow and Co. Nelson, Paul David. General Horatio Gates: A Biography. Patterson, Samuel W. Horatio Gates: Defender of American Liberties. New York: Columbia University Press, Podcast Mount Vernon Everywhere! Learn More. Watch Now. Victor of Saratoga. Place of Birth:. Date of Birth:. Place of Death:.

Date of Death:. Place of Burial:. Cemetery Name:. Tensions between Gates and General George Washington grew immediately following Saratoga, after Gates informed Congress directly of his victory rather than informing his commander-in-chief. Washington was further angered that Gates did not promptly return troops sent to help Gates during the New York campaign.