LIEUTENANT GENERAL SIR SAMUEL AUCHMUTY 1756-1822: The Military Life of an American Loyalist and Imperial General

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Biography of Samuel Auchmuty, born in New York in 1756, and loyal servant of King George during the American Revolution as part of British 45th Foot. After the war, he remained in British service, campaigned in many parts of the world and rose through the ranks. Despite a varied and distinguished career he has not received the attention he warrants, neither as a Loyalist from New York, nor as a successful British soldier.

Auchmuty served in India through the Second and Third Mysore Wars, the Rohilla War, and a serious mutiny. In 1798 Auchmuty was adjutant-general of the successful Red Sea campaign against French forces in Egypt. Returning to Britain in 1803, he commanded the defenses in Thanet, East Kent, at the height of the French invasion threat.

He was the only British commander to emerge from the River Plate campaign with credit, capturing Montevideo in 1807. In 1811 he commanded the land forces that captured Java from Franco-Dutch control and ended up as Commander-in-Chief, Ireland.