William Leslie, Scottish captain (b. 1751)

The Honourable William Leslie, born on August 8, 1751, was a distinguished British nobleman and a dedicated soldier who played a role in a pivotal moment of the American War of Independence before his untimely death on January 3, 1777. As the second son of David Leslie, 6th Earl of Leven and 5th Earl of Melville, a prominent Scottish peer, William Leslie hailed from a distinguished aristocratic lineage deeply rooted in Scottish history. His birth into such a family often steered younger sons towards military or ecclesiastical careers, and for Leslie, the call to arms prevailed. By the time the American colonies began their fight for independence, Captain Leslie was serving with distinction in the 17th (Leicestershire) Regiment of Foot, a seasoned British Army infantry unit. Known unofficially as "The Poachers" or "The Tigers" by some, the 17th Foot saw extensive action throughout the North American campaign, engaging in significant battles and skirmishes. As a commissioned officer, Captain Leslie was integral to the British military effort to suppress the American rebellion, participating in the early, intense phases of the conflict that defined the struggle for independence.

The Battle of Princeton and Captain Leslie's Sacrifice

It was during the critical winter campaign of 1776-1777 that Captain Leslie found himself on the front lines. On January 3, 1777, he was mortally wounded during the intense Battle of Princeton, a decisive engagement fought near Princeton, New Jersey. This battle, following George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware River and the subsequent victory at Trenton, represented a crucial turning point for the Continental Army, significantly boosting American morale and demonstrating Washington's strategic genius against the formidable British forces. Leslie, in the thick of the fighting, sustained injuries that proved fatal, becoming one of the notable casualties of this significant American triumph.

George Washington's Act of Chivalry

Remarkably, following the battle, a profound act of military honour and personal respect transpired. American General George Washington himself, commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and victor of Princeton, ordered that Captain Leslie be buried with full military honours. This exceptional gesture was not merely a display of general wartime chivalry; it stemmed from a unique personal connection. It is widely reported that William Leslie was a close friend of Dr. Benjamin Rush, a prominent Philadelphia physician, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and a mutual acquaintance of Washington. Leslie reportedly carried a letter from Dr. Rush, intended for Washington, which helped reveal his identity. Recognizing this bond, Washington ensured that Leslie, despite being an enemy officer, received a burial befitting his rank and the respect due to a fallen soldier, reflecting a code of conduct that occasionally transcended the hostilities of the conflict.

Captain Leslie's final resting place is in the burying ground of the Presbyterian Church in Pluckemin, New Jersey. This site, now known as the Pluckemin Presbyterian Church Cemetery, stands as a quiet testament to his service and the extraordinary circumstances of his burial, a poignant historical footnote underscoring the complexities and personal narratives woven into the fabric of the American War of Independence.

Frequently Asked Questions about William Leslie

Who was William Leslie?

William Leslie was a British nobleman and a Captain in the 17th Foot of the British Army who served during the American War of Independence.

How did William Leslie die?

He was mortally wounded on January 3, 1777, during the Battle of Princeton in New Jersey, a significant engagement of the American War of Independence.

Why was William Leslie buried with military honours by George Washington?

General George Washington ordered his burial with full military honours primarily due to Leslie's close friendship with Dr. Benjamin Rush, a prominent American physician and a mutual acquaintance of Washington. This act demonstrated a remarkable level of respect between adversaries during the war.

Where is William Leslie buried?

William Leslie is buried in the burying ground of the Presbyterian Church in Pluckemin, New Jersey, now known as the Pluckemin Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

What was the significance of the Battle of Princeton?

The Battle of Princeton was a critical victory for the Continental Army under George Washington, significantly boosting American morale and demonstrating Washington's strategic prowess, following his famous crossing of the Delaware River.