Samuel Birch (British Army officer)
Samuel Birch | |
|---|---|
Certificate of Freedom (Birch Certificate), (only 5 certificates remain of the 3500 issued) | |
| Born | 21 February 1721 Gorton, England |
| Died | 1811 (aged 89–90) London, England |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | Great Britain United Kingdom |
| Branch | British Army |
| Rank | Major-General |
| Commands | 17th Regiment of (Light) Dragoons Commandant of New York City |
| Conflicts | |
| Relations | John Birch (great great uncle) |
Major-General Samuel Birch (21 February 1735 – 1811) was a British Army officer who served as the commandant of New York City during the American Revolution. He helped free and shelter thousands of slaves as recorded in the Book of Negroes. Birch was the commander of the 17th Regiment of (Light) Dragoons, the only British cavalry regiment in North America. He participated in most of the significant engagements in the north. He is known for leading the failed attempt to kidnap George Washington.