William Alexander, Lord Stirling

William Alexander, Lord Stirling was a Scottish-American Continental Army major general during the American Revolutionary War, who played a significant role in the Battle of Long Island and the Battle of Trenton. He was the son of James Alexander and Mary Spratt Provoost Alexander, and married to Sarah Livingston, a member of the prominent Livingston family of New York. Alexander was also a close friend and ally of George Washington, Richard Montgomery, and Horatio Gates. He was educated at the University of Glasgow and later studied law under the guidance of William Smith (judge), a prominent New York Supreme Court judge.

● Early Life and Education

William Alexander, Lord Stirling, was born in New York City in 1726 to a family of Scottish and Dutch descent. His father, James Alexander, was a prominent New York lawyer and politician, who served as the Attorney General of New York and was a close friend of Cadwallader Colden, the Lieutenant Governor of New York. Alexander's mother, Mary Spratt Provoost Alexander, was from a wealthy New York family and was related to John Cruger, a New York City mayor. He studied at the University of Glasgow and later returned to New York to study law under William Smith (judge), who would later become the Chief Justice of the New York Supreme Court. Alexander's education and family connections helped him establish relationships with influential people, including Philip Livingston, William Livingston, and John Jay.

● Military Career

Alexander began his military career in 1756, during the French and Indian War, when he joined the British Army as a lieutenant in the New Jersey Regiment. He served under the command of John Campbell, 4th Duke of Argyll, and later under James Abercrombie, the Commander-in-Chief, North America. Alexander participated in the Battle of Fort Oswego and the Battle of Fort William Henry, where he was taken prisoner by the French Army. After his release, he returned to New York and joined the New York Provincial Company, where he served under the command of Richard Montgomery. Alexander's military experience and connections helped him establish a reputation as a skilled and brave officer, which would later earn him the respect of George Washington and other Continental Army leaders.

● American Revolutionary War

During the American Revolutionary War, Alexander played a significant role in several key battles, including the Battle of Long Island and the Battle of Trenton. He was appointed as a major general in the Continental Army in 1776 and served under the command of George Washington. Alexander was also a close friend and ally of Richard Montgomery, who led the Invasion of Canada in 1775. He participated in the Battle of Princeton and the Battle of Brandywine, where he was wounded and taken prisoner by the British Army. Alexander was later released and returned to New York, where he continued to serve in the Continental Army under the command of Horatio Gates. He also worked closely with other prominent American Revolutionary War leaders, including John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin.

● Personal Life and Legacy

Alexander was married to Sarah Livingston, a member of the prominent Livingston family of New York. The couple had several children, including Mary Alexander, who married Robert Watts, a New York City merchant. Alexander was also a close friend and ally of several prominent American Revolutionary War leaders, including George Washington, Richard Montgomery, and Horatio Gates. He was known for his bravery and military skills, which earned him the respect of his peers and the admiration of his contemporaries. Alexander's legacy as a Continental Army major general and a prominent American Revolutionary War leader has been recognized by historians, including David McCullough and Joseph Ellis, who have written extensively about his life and career.

● Later Life and Death

Alexander died on January 15, 1783, in Albany, New York, while serving as a major general in the Continental Army. He was buried in the Albany Rural Cemetery, where many other prominent American Revolutionary War leaders are also buried. Alexander's death was mourned by his contemporaries, including George Washington, who praised his bravery and military skills. His legacy as a Continental Army major general and a prominent American Revolutionary War leader has endured, and he is still remembered today as one of the most important figures of the American Revolution. Alexander's life and career have been the subject of several books and articles, including works by Ron Chernow and Gordon Wood, who have written extensively about the American Revolutionary War and its leaders. Category:American Revolutionary War