Cornwallis, Charles

Charles (1738-1805), a British general. His father was an English nobleman, to whose estates he succeeded in 1762, with the title of earl. Cornwallis deserves to be held in greater respect than is accorded him by the average American. He was well educated, and served his country honorably. In Parliament he was a friend of America, and opposed the policy that led to war. So outspoken was he that when it became necessary to send his regiment to America, the king offered to give him leave of absence; that is, to excuse him from service; but Cornwallis preferred to lead his own soldiers. He served under Howe and Clinton in the vicinity of New York. All must admit that his campaigns in the Carolinas against Gates and Green were vigorous. His taking a position at Yorktown, and subsequent surrender, were due far more to conflicting orders from Clinton and lack of support than to any want of vigor or skill on his own part. After the close of the American war, Cornwallis served his king in India and sat in the privy council. He was buried in St. Paul's Cathedral, where his memorial tablet may be seen in company with those of Admirals Rodney, Howe, and Nelson, and Generals Abercrombie, Sir John Moore, and others who are deemed to have served their country well. See Yorktown