British Army Major General. After successfully fighting in the Napoleonic War, he was sent to North America where, on August 24, 1814, he personally led British troops in the capture of Washington D.C. during the War of 1812. He ordered the burning of public property, including the Capitol Building and the White House. Three weeks later he led troops to attack the city of Baltimore, Maryland. On September 12, they landed at North Point, about twelve miles away from the city. While British ships prepared to attack Fort McHenry he began to advance his soldiers toward the city. While moving toward Baltimore, the British were surprised by American forces and their leader was killed by a sniper's bullet. His body was preserved in one hundred twenty-nine gallons of Jamaican Rum on a British ship, so it could be returned to his native Ireland for burial. However, preparations for the Battle of New Orleans prevented the British from returning to their homes, so on September 29, his remains were interred in Nova Scotia, with full military honors.
British Army Major General. After successfully fighting in the Napoleonic War, he was sent to North America where, on August 24, 1814, he personally led British troops in the capture of Washington D.C. during the War of 1812. He ordered the burning of public property, including the Capitol Building and the White House. Three weeks later he led troops to attack the city of Baltimore, Maryland. On September 12, they landed at North Point, about twelve miles away from the city. While British ships prepared to attack Fort McHenry he began to advance his soldiers toward the city. While moving toward Baltimore, the British were surprised by American forces and their leader was killed by a sniper's bullet. His body was preserved in one hundred twenty-nine gallons of Jamaican Rum on a British ship, so it could be returned to his native Ireland for burial. However, preparations for the Battle of New Orleans prevented the British from returning to their homes, so on September 29, his remains were interred in Nova Scotia, with full military honors.
Bio by: Bigwoo
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