Lord Charles Cornwallis
General, British Army; 1st Marquess Cornwallis
"I consider my situation here is desperate."
Biography
One of Britain's most capable commanders, Cornwallis paradoxically voted against the Stamp Act and had sympathy for the colonists, yet served the Crown with professional dedication. His capture of Charleston in 1780 seemed to end Patriot resistance in the South, and his victories at Camden and Guilford Court House appeared decisive — but Greene's strategy was quietly bleeding his army to death. At Guilford Court House he won by sacrificing men he could not replace. His surrender at Yorktown — claiming illness to send a subordinate in his place — effectively ended the Revolution. He later served brilliantly as Governor-General of India and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
Did you know?
Cornwallis was one of the few British peers who voted against the Stamp Act. He famously refused to personally surrender at Yorktown, claiming illness and sending Brigadier O'Hara in his place — O'Hara then tried to surrender to Rochambeau (the French commander) rather than Washington. Washington countered by having his deputy, Gen. Lincoln, accept. After the war, Cornwallis went on to be considered one of Britain's greatest imperial administrators in India and Ireland.
Key Battles
Battle of Guilford Court House
British victoryMarch 15, 1781 · 793 total casualties
Charles James Fox told Parliament: 'Another such victory would ruin the British army.' Cornwallis, unable to hold North Carolina, marched north to Virginia — into the trap that ended the war. Greene's Fabian strategy had worked perfectly.
Siege of Yorktown
Patriots victorySeptember 28 – October 19, 1781 · 8,476 total casualties
The last major military engagement of the Revolution. Parliament voted to end offensive operations in America, and peace negotiations began. The Treaty of Paris in 1783 formally recognized American independence.
Life Journey
Timeline
December 31, 1738
🌅 Birth
Born in Grosvenor Square, London, England
1757
📍 Posting
Commissioned as ensign in Grenadier Guards; fights in Seven Years War
May 12, 1780
⚔️ Battle
Captures Charleston, South Carolina — greatest British land victory of the war
August 16, 1780
⚔️ Battle
Destroys Gates's Continental Army at Camden, South Carolina
March 15, 1781
⚔️ Battle
Wins at Guilford Court House but cripples his own army; abandons Carolinas
October 19, 1781
⚔️ Battle
Surrenders at Yorktown, claiming illness; sends O'Hara in his place
1786–1793
📍 Posting
Serves as Governor-General of India; considered one of Britain's greatest administrators
October 5, 1805
✝️ Death
Dies at Ghazipur, India, while serving as Governor-General for a second time