Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis

Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis (December 31, 1738 – October 5, 1805) was a British general and colonial governor. In America, he is most remembered for his role in the American Revolutionary War, and in India, for promulgating the Permanent Settlement. He was the eldest son of Charles Cornwallis, 5th Baron Cornwallis (later 1st Earl Cornwallis) and was born in London even though his family's estates were in Kent.

American Revolution

In 1776 Cornwallis moved to North America after volunteering his services to help maintain order in the rebellious thirteen colonies.

Related Topics:
1776 - North America - Thirteen colonies

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Between January 2 and January 4, 1777 Cornwallis fought the American Continental Army at Princeton, New Jersey, led by General George Washington. The Americans surprised a detachment of Cornwallis' troops and pressed the attack until encountering the main body of Cornwallis' force. After this first engagement, the American army slipped away in the night before Cornwallis could counter-attack. The Battle of Princeton was seen as an American victory, although it was actually a confused series of skirmishes without a decisive defeat for either force.

Related Topics:
January 2 - January 4 - 1777 - Continental Army - Princeton, New Jersey - George Washington - Battle of Princeton - American

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In 1780, Cornwallis led British forces in the Carolinas against Nathanael Greene.

Related Topics:
1780 - British - Carolinas - Nathanael Greene

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After a textbook siege by American and French forces, Cornwallis surrendered to the allied forces, bringing to a close the Battle of Yorktown, on October 19, 1781, and thus ending the war. He was ultimately blamed for losing the war to the colonists.

Related Topics:
Battle of Yorktown - October 19 - 1781

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