Frederick Bates was born into a slave-holding family in Goochland County, Virginia, and later settled in Detroit, where he became the city's first postmaster. He read law and was appointed Secretary of the Louisiana Territory, where he managed complex land claims and served as commander in chief of the militia. Bates transitioned to the Missouri Territory, where he became acting governor in the absence of Territorial Governor William Clark, and later served as the second governor of Missouri. He was known for his significant role in the governance of these territories and his extensive land holdings, including the Thornhill estate.

Frederick Bates's political identity is marked by a complex blend of progressive governance and personal adherence to slavery, reflecting an era's conflicting values. His administrative acumen in resolving land disputes in the Louisiana Territory and his pivotal role in the Missouri Territory showcase an ideologically agile approach. Bates's governance, while progressive in many respects, is shadowed by his personal involvement in slavery, raising questions about the consistency of his moral framework. His rhetorical style likely navigated these tensions with a calculated finesse, balancing regional interests with personal convictions.