William Alexander, Lord Stirling, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death

William Alexander, Lord Stirling

Continental Army general

Date of Birth: 01-Jan-1726

Place of Birth: New York City, New York, United States

Date of Death: 15-Jan-1783

Profession: military officer

Nationality: United States

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

William Alexander, also known as Lord Stirling (1726 – 15 January 1783), was a Scottish-American major general during the American Revolutionary War.
He was considered 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 over-ruled Scottish law and denied the title in 1762.
He continued to hold himself out as "Lord Stirling" regardless.Lord Stirling commanded the 1st Maryland Regiment that fought at the Battle of Long Island.
He lost the battle and was captured, but his actions allowed General George Washington's troops to escape.
Stirling was returned by prisoner exchange, promoted for his actions, and served with distinction throughout the war.
He was trusted by Washington and in 1778, he exposed the Conway Cabal.