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The Generals of Saratoga: John Burgoyne and Horatio Gate

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Max M. Mintz illustrates some interesting parallels in this well-received dual biography. Evidence suggests that John Burgoyne and Horatio Gates were both illegitimate children amid the strict class barriers of eighteenth century England. As was common practice, both men would purchase their commissions more to improve social status rather than to mature any hidden military virtues. Coincidentally, both began their military careers as lieutenants in the same regiment. As their careers progressed, both men would ally themselves politically, or form convenient friendships in order to advance in rank and enhance upward mobility. This vying for social status is the strongest theme in Mintz's work. These two men, destined to oppose one another on the battlefield at a crucial turning point of the American Revolution, were born of dissimilar class origins. Unforeseen circumstances, however, would equalize both class and education ultimately resulting in commissions, reserved only for gentlemen. John Burgoyne was born of privilege in 1723. His father, a captain, was a compulsive gambler, and eventually landed in debtor's prison. The Burgoyne's landlord was Lord Bingley, a wealthy Yorkshire politician. Bingley was exceedingly generous to the Burgoyne's, and it was the curious nature of his kindness that has led scholars to believe he was the boy's real father. He paid off all of Captain Burgoyne's gambling debts, and provided the tuition for John's education at Westminster School, famous for its military and political alumni. According to Mintz, no records of Horatio Gate's birth were ever found, however, it is believed he was born four years after Burgoyne, to working class parents. His mother Dorothy became a housekeeper for the Duke of Bolton, a privileged aristocrat, and womanizer. His father, Robert Gates, was a boatman who peddling produce along the Thames River. Like the Burgoyne's, the Gates family would rise socially from their association with Bolton. Eventually, Horatio would attend a primary school reserved solely for the working class and rub elbows with the aristocracy. Through Bolton's influence, Robert would advance to a position that would elevate his son Horatio to the level of that of a gentleman, and consequently make him eligible to buy an officer's commission. Mintz intricately demonstrates how officer commissions in the eighteenth century were commodities to be bought and sold at will, not a profession. Many years of buying, selling, and resigning of commissions, intermingled with bits of luck, a smattering of merit, and political maneuvering ensued for both men. Burgoyne would see action on the continent during the War of Austrian Succession, and conduct raids on the Normandy coast during the Seven Years War. He fought bravely in Portugal and Spain, and entered Parliament. Gates took to soldiering immediately, and found that he was equally popular with aristocrats and commoners. Lord Charles Cornwallis had observed Gates and admired his excellent staff skills. Gates was later wounded in the infamous Braddock Expedition, settled in Virginia, embraced American independence, and gained a commission in George Washington's army. After Gates defeated Burgoyne at Saratoga, he, attempted to rest on his laurels, and pushed for an invasion of Canada. Instead he was sent to the southern campaign only to be replaced by Nathaniel Green and faded into obscurity. Burgoyne returned to Parliament as a spokesman for the group opposing the war. In his later years, he took a mistress and fathered four children. He wrote plays and composed music, never losing his refined standing.Mintz provides a vital window into officership, and class divisions during the eighteenth century. He does so utilizing mostly primary sources and period literature. Mintz offers so much more than a mere telling of the Battle of Saratoga. Only two short chapters (could have been one) covers the battle itself, but this is no shortcoming. Sprinkled with period illustrations, and adequate maps, this book is a must for anyone seriously interested in this period in military history. Five-stars, Bravo!

This is a teriffic book and a book that I would reccomend to any historian, student or just a history buff. This book is a great one and one I hope all will read.