Member-only story

Cornwallis: Soldier and Statesman in a Revolutionary World

Patrick Rothfuss

·16.2k Followers· Follow

Published in Richard Middleton

4 min read · 1 month before

259 View Claps

45 Respond

Save

Listen

Cornwallis: Soldier and Statesman in a Revolutionary World

by Richard Middleton

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11043 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	647 pages

Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis, was one of the most important British generals in the American Revolutionary War. He was also a skilled statesman who served as governor of Nova Scotia, Ireland, and India. This in-depth biography explores Cornwallis's life and career, from his early days as a young officer to his role in some of the most pivotal battles of the American Revolution.

Early Life and Career

Cornwallis was born in London in 1738. He was the son of Charles Cornwallis, 1st Earl Cornwallis, and Elizabeth Townshend. Cornwallis was educated at Eton College and Clare College, Cambridge. He joined the British Army in 1756 and served in the Seven Years' War. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1761 and colonel in 1775.

American Revolutionary War

In 1775, Cornwallis was sent to America to help suppress the American Revolution. He commanded a brigade at the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Battle of Long Island. In 1776, he was promoted to major general and given command of a division. He led his division at the Battle of Brandywine and the Battle of Germantown. In 1780, Cornwallis was given command of the British forces in the southern colonies. He defeated the American army at the Battle of Camden and the Battle of Guilford Court House. However, he was defeated by George Washington at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781. Cornwallis surrendered his army to Washington, effectively ending the American Revolutionary War.

Later Career

After the war, Cornwallis returned to England. He was appointed governor of Nova Scotia in 1782 and served in that role until 1786. He was then appointed governor of Ireland, where he served from 1786 to 1798. In 1798, he was appointed governor-general of India. He served in that role until 1805. Cornwallis died in India in 1805.

Legacy

Cornwallis was a skilled military commander and a capable statesman. He was one of the most important British generals in the American Revolutionary War. He also played a key role in the development of British policy in Ireland and India. Cornwallis is remembered as a complex and controversial figure, but there is no doubt that he was one of the most important British figures of the late 18th century.