Henry Clinton (American War of Independence)

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Image:Sir henry clinton.jpg General Sir Henry Clinton, KCB, (April 16 1738–December 23 1795) was a British officer during the American War of Independence, or revolutionary war. He was born in Newfoundland, Canada where his father, George Clinton, served as Governor, and he grew up in New York when his father served as Royal Governor there. When old enough, he spent a time in the New York militia.

In 1751, Clinton went to England and was commissioned into the Coldstream Guards, becoming a captain and then lieutenant-colonel in the Grenadier Guards by 1758. From 1760 to 1762, he distinguished himself as an aide-de-camp to Duke Ferdinand of Brunswick in the Seven Years' War, being promoted to colonel. After the peace, he received the colonelcy of a regiment of foot. In 1772, he was promoted to major-general. Thanks to the influence of his cousin, the Duke of Newcastle, he obtained a seat in Parliament which he held from 1772 until 1784, first for Boroughbridge and subsequently for Newark.

In 1775, Clinton sailed to America accompanied by Major General William Howe and Brigadier John Burgoyne. He was the field commander at the Battle of Bunker Hill, and he served under General Howe's operations capturing New York City including the Battle of Long Island. For his part in the battle he was made a Lieutenant General and a KCB. After the Saratoga Campaign in May 1778, Clinton replaced Howe as Commander-in-Chief, North America and assumed command in Philadelphia. He at once concentrated the British forces at New York, pursuing a policy of foraying expeditions in place of regular campaigns.

In 1779, he invaded South Carolina, and the following year, in conjunction with Admiral Marriot Arbuthnot, he won an important victory with the capture of Charleston. However, he had constant command difficulties with Lord Cornwallis, his second in command.

After the Battle of Yorktown and the capitulation of Cornwallis in 1782, he was superseded as Commander-in-Chief, North America by Sir Guy Carleton, and returned to England. He was blamed for the loss of the colonies. Historians have since shifted more blame upon Cornwallis. He published a Narrative of the war in an attempt to clear his reputation.

In 1790, he was re-elected to Parliament, and was promoted to full General in October in 1793. The following year he was made Governor of Gibraltar, but he died in England before assuming command.

Henry Clinton had two sons who continued the family tradition of high command:

See also: List of Governors General of Canada and Commander-in-Chief, North America

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