William Dalrymple (general)

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For other persons named William Dalrymple, see William Dalrymple (disambiguation).

William Dalrymple (1736 – 16 February 1807) was a Scottish soldier and Member of Parliament (MP) in the British Parliament. He was the son of the Hon. George Dalrymple, brother of John Dalrymple, 5th Earl of Stair.

He was educated at Glasgow University 1749.

In 1752 he joined the Army, becoming an Ensign in the 52nd Regiment of Foot. He became a lieutenant in 1759 and a captain (in the 91st Regiment of Foot) from 1760. By 1762 he was a major. After a period on half pay in 1763, he was appointed to the 14th Regiment of Foot in 1764. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1765.

Dalrymple served in the campaign against the Spanish invasion of Portugal (1762). Between 1766-1772 he was in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Boston, Massachusetts where he had friends amongst American Tories.

In 1772-1773 Dalrymple received a local promotion to major general and commanded a force which captured the West Indian island of St Vincent.

He returned to Britain in 1773. He continued to be in touch with friends in Boston. He was saddened but not surprised by the Boston Tea Party.

After the outbreak of fighting in Massachusetts, Dalrymple returned to North America. He served as quartermaster general 1779-1783. He held the rank of brigadier general (1779) and then major general (1782).

After the end of the war Dalrymple was attacked for alleged corruption, but General Howe stoutly defended his former subordinate and the allegations were dropped.

Dalrymple then went into politics. He represented Wigtown Burghs 1784-1790.

Dalrymple was promoted to lieutenant general 1793 and general 1798.

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