William Alexander, Lord Stirling
William Alexander | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 26, 1726 |
| Died | January 15, 1783 (aged 56) Albany, New York, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | Continental Army |
| Service years | 1775–1783 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands | 1st New Jersey Regiment Continental Army (2 months) |
| Conflicts | |
| Spouse |
Sarah Livingston (m. 1747) |
| Relations | Philip Livingston (father-in-law) William Livingston (brother-in-law) |
Major General William Alexander, also known as Lord Stirling (April 26 [O.S. April 15] 1726 – January 15, 1783) was a Continental Army officer who served in the American Revolutionary War. He held a claim to be the male heir to the Scottish title of Earl of Stirling through Scottish lineage (being the senior male descendant of the paternal grandfather of the 1st Earl of Stirling, who had died in 1640), and he sought the title sometime after 1756. His claim was initially granted by a Scottish court in 1759; however, the House of Lords ultimately overruled the court and denied the title in 1762. He continued to hold himself out as "Lord Stirling" regardless.
Lord Stirling commanded a brigade at the Battle of Long Island, where his rearguard action resulted in his capture but allowed the main body of the army to escape. He was later returned by prisoner exchange, received a promotion, and continued to serve with distinction throughout the war. Trusted by Washington, he also exposed the Conway Cabal in 1778.