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Biography22 (1898): 462–467.RAWDON-HASTINGS, FRANCIS
Rawdon-Hastings, Francis
(December 9, 1754–November 28, 1826)
English General
T
he dashing, youth-
ful Lord Rawdon
won renown as the
famous “boy general” of
the American Revolution,
one of the most skillful
British leaders of the
southern campaigns. Af-
terward, he enjoyed an
equally spectacular ca-
reer in India, laying foun-
dations there for the ulti-
mate British conquest.
Rawdon, although harsh
at times and something of
a martinet, is regarded as
one of the most unique
personalities of early
British imperialism.
Francis Rawdon was
born in County Down, Ire-
land, a son of the Earl of
Moira. He was educated
at Harrow and Oxford and in 1771 obtained his
ensign’s commission with the Fifth Regiment
of Foot while still at school. In 1775, Rawdon
interrupted studying to accompany his regi-
ment to Boston. On June 17, 1775, he fought
conspicuously at Bunker Hill and took charge
of his company when his captain was
wounded. Shortly after, he gained appointment
as an aide-de-camp to Gen. Henry Clinton
and fought in campaigns
in and around New York
during 1776–1777. Despite
his youth, Rawdon acquit-
ted himself well; Clinton
promoted him to lieu-
tenant colonel and tasked
him with raising an in-
fantry battalion from Loy-
alists and rebel deserters.
This unit, known as the
Volunteers of Ireland,
quickly won plaudits for
discipline and ferocity
under fire. They wit-
nessed their baptism of
fire at Monmouth in June
1778, where Rawdon ac-
quired additional laurels.
During this period he also
served as an adjutant gen-
eral under Clinton, a sin-
gular distinction for an of-
ficer only 25 years old. However, working for
the sullen British commander in chief was
never easy, and the two eventually became es-
tranged. In late 1779, Rawdon tendered his res-
ignation from Clinton’s staff and was replaced
by another bright blade, Maj. John Andre. He
was consequently left behind in New York,
when Clinton organized and led his expedition
against Charleston, South Carolina.Francis Rawdon-Hastings
National Portrait Gallery