General Thomas Gage and the American Revolution (1774–1775)

Introduction: Gage's Appointment and the Intolerable Acts

In 1774, Thomas Gage was chosen to succeed Thomas Hutchinson as governor of Massachusetts, where the most serious conflicts between the colonists and the British government existed at that time. Gage's appointment was initially well received by the colonists, who were relieved to be rid of Hutchinson. However, Gage moved to suppress the dissident forces in the colony and enforce the Intolerable Acts — a series of five laws designed to punish the colonists for the Boston Tea Party and the boycott against British goods, and to reestablish British authority.

These acts included the Boston Port Act, which mandated that the port of Boston be closed to shipping until restitution was made to the East India Company and the King for the lost tea and taxes; the Massachusetts Government Act, designed to increase royal control over the colony's administration; the Administration of Justice Act, which gave royal officials the option to request a change of venue to another colony or to Great Britain if charged with criminal acts committed while fulfilling their duties; the Quartering Act, expanding the types of buildings in which soldiers could be billeted; and the Quebec Act, which transferred to Quebec much of the Ohio Country that had been promised to several colonies through their charters and to which many had already laid claim.

While an early British raid on Somerville was successful, subsequent raids were not, largely due to the efforts of groups like the Sons of Liberty. Gage did not attempt to suppress these groups, as he was concerned about escalating the situation further.

British Command and Reluctance to Fight

When the rebellion began, Gage was criticized for being too lenient. Many speculated that this was due to the influence of his American-born wife. However, many British commanders had little interest in leading British soldiers against British citizens. General Jeffrey Amherst, commander in chief and 1st Baron Amherst, had turned down his appointment because he did not wish to take sides in the conflict; Admiral Augustus Keppel declined for the same reason. William Howe and John Burgoyne were both members of Parliament who openly opposed a military solution to the American rebellion. Nevertheless, both stated that, though reluctant to participate in the war, they would follow orders.

Lexington, Concord, and the Start of the Revolution

In April 1775, Gage ordered the arrest of Samuel Adams and John Hancock and dispatched 700 men to march to Concord to seize colonial powder and weapons. Fighting broke out on the way at Lexington and continued at Concord. These engagements marked the beginning of the American Revolution. Although British troops were able to clear each town, they sustained heavy casualties during their march back to Boston.

Following the fighting at Lexington and Concord, Gage found himself surrounded in Boston by a growing colonial army. Concerned that his wife — a colonial by birth — was aiding the enemy, Gage sent her to England. In May, reinforcements of 4,500 men under the command of Major General William Howe arrived, and Gage began planning a breakout.