'Barrimore Matthew St. Leger' (c.
1733 –
1789) was a
British colonel who led an invasion force during the
American Revolutionary War.
St. Leger (sometimes pronounced "Sill'inger") was baptised on
May 1,
1733 County Kildare, Ireland. He was the son of Sir John St. Leger and Lavina Pennefather, was educated at
Eton College, and then at the
University of Cambridge.
He joined the British army in April
1756, serving as an ensign in the 28th Foot. He fought under the command of General Abercrombie in Canada in
1758 at the siege of
Louisbourg, ÃŽle Royale (
Cape Breton Island) and in
1759 under the command of Wolfe at the
Siege of Quebec.
He was promoted to brigade-major in July
1760 and served as a staff officer in the campaign against
Montreal under James Murray. On September 16,
1762, St. Leger became a major in the 95th Foot,
In
1777, while he was the Lt. Colonel of the 34th foot, he was chosen to lead the western offensive that formed one leg of the
Saratoga Campaign.
John Burgoyne made him brevet Brigadier General for this mission so that he would outrank the militia officers involved.
He moved his force in good order to
Fort Stanwix, but finding it strongly defended, set a siege in motion.
He beat back the American militia attempt to break the siege by ambushing
Nicholas Herkimer's force in the
Battle of Oriskany of 1777.
When reports of a relief force under
Benedict Arnold reached him he was forced to withdraw back to Canada and then to try and join up with
John Burgoyne.
See also
★
St. Leger