Thomas Gage (c.1719 – April 2, 1787) was a British general and commander-in-chief of the North American forces from 1763 to 1775 during the early days of the American Revolution.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Gage

Thomas Gage (1719 or 1720 – 2 April 1787) was a British general, best known for his role in the early days of the American War of Independence.

Born to an aristocratic family in England, he entered military service, seeing action in the French and Indian War, where he served alongside a future opponent, George Washington. After the fall of Montreal in 1760, he was named its military governor. During this time he did not distinguish himself militarily, but proved himself to be a competent administrator.

From 1763 to 1775 he served as commander-in-chief of the British forces in North America, overseeing the British response to the 1763 Pontiac's Rebellion. In 1774 he was also appointed the military governor of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, where his actions played a role in sparking of the American War of Independence in April 1775. After his failure to resolve the Siege of Boston he was replaced by General Howe in October 1775, and returned to Britain.