Biographical Sketches of the Generals of the Continental Army of the Revolution — John Shaqi
Biographical Sketches of the Generals of the Continental Army of the RevolutionLeiter, Mary Theresa
History
Biographical Sketches of the Generals of the Continental Army of the Revolution
Leiter, Mary Theresa
United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Biography
battle has led to the charge of lack of personal courage, as throughout
the engagement he remained in a position of safety two miles away,
ready to flee with the teamsters and baggage-wagons should the action
result in a defeat for the Americans. Burgoyne, on the contrary, was in
the thick of the battle, receiving three bullets in his clothing.
[1] Journals of Congress. Appleton’s Cyclopædia gives the month
July.
In 1780, Gates was given command of the Southern army, and prepared
to attack Cornwallis at Camden, South Carolina. By a serious error in
judgment, Gates suffered a most humiliating defeat, which ended his
military career. On the 5th of October, 1780, he was suspended from
service until his conduct could be investigated. Deeply mortified,
he retired to his farm in Berkeley County, but as he passed through
Richmond, the State Legislature passed a resolution expressive of
their sympathy in his misfortune and their unabated confidence in
his patriotism and military skill; he received, too, a letter from
Washington containing assurances of sincere sympathy and promises of a
command when the court of inquiry should have acquitted him. Restored
to his command on the 14th of August, 1782, he did not serve, as the
war was then practically over. The battle of Camden virtually ended his
career. In 1790, he removed to New York City, generously freeing all
his Virginia slaves, and amply providing for the aged and infirm. In
1800, he was elected to the New York State Legislature, and died on the
10th of April, 1806.
WILLIAM HEATH.
William Heath, born on the 2d of March, 1737, was the son of a farmer
living in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Delighting in military exercise, he
joined the militia company of his town. In 1765, he became a member of
the “Ancient and Honorable Artillery” corps of Boston, subsequently
becoming its commander. In 1770, he contributed a series of articles
to a Boston newspaper, urging the importance of military training,
etc. In 1774, he received an appointment in the Provincial army of
Massachusetts, and on the 22d of June was created brigadier-general by
the Continental Congress and placed in command at Roxbury. On the 9th
of August, 1776, he was raised to the rank of major-general. Though
taking part in none of the great battles of the war, he did good
service as recruiting officer, commissary, and quartermaster. After the
close of the war he retired to his farm at Roxbury. Subsequently he was
elected senator, counsellor, Presidential elector, judge of probate,
and in 1806 Lieutenant-Governor of Massachusetts. This office, however,
he declined, choosing to spend his last years as a private citizen. He
died on his estate in Roxbury on the 24th of January, 1814.
JOSEPH SPENCER.
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