Sir Robert Pigot, 2nd Baronet

Sir Robert Pigot, 2nd Baronet (20 September 1720 – August 1, 1796) was a British Army officer during the American Revolutionary War.

Robert Pigot was born in London, England in 1720. In 1758 he was Major in the 10th Foot Regiment. In 1764 he was Lieutenant Colonel. From 1769 to 1775 he was the commander of the 1st Staffordshire Foot Regiment.

He also served as a Member of Parliament for Wallingford from 1768 to 1772.

On June 17, 1775 he commanded the left flank of the British assault in the Battle of Bunker Hill. On July 9th he was Colonel in the 55th Regiment of Foot. He was promoted to the permanent grade of Colonel for his bravery in the battle of Bunker Hill. He was made a Major General in 1777. Pigot was placed in command in Rhode Island and made a Lieutenant General in 1782. In the Battle of Rhode Island he fought with 3,000 men against 5,000 men under General John Sullivan. He inherited his older brother's (Lord George Pigot) baronetcy (which had been created with special remainder) and the Patshull Hall estate in 1777. He was also left, with his brother Hugh and his sister Margaret (Fisher) the Pigot Diamond which was sold by Act of Parliament in a lottery. On February 8 he resigned and died August 1 of 1796 in Stafford, England.

His two brothers were also famous: Sir (later Lord) George Pigot, Baron Pigot (May 4, 1719 – May 11, 1777) was Governor of Madras, India and Admiral Hugh Pigot (28th May 1722 – 15th December 1792) was Commander-in-Chief of the West Indies fleet.

[edit] References

Parliament of Great Britain
Preceded by Sir John Gibbons George Pigot	Member of Parliament for Wallingford with John Aubrey 1768–1772	Succeeded by John Aubrey John Cator
Baronetage of Great Britain
Preceded by George Pigot	Baronet (of Patshull) 1777–1796	Succeeded by George Pigot