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Charles Cathcart, 9th Lord Cathcart
Joshua Reynolds. Lord Cathcart (1753-5), Manchester Art Gallery.jpg
Lord Cathcart by Joshua Reynolds (1753–55) Manchester Art Gallery
Ambassador from Great Britain to Russia
In office
February 1768 – 1772
Preceded by George Macartney, 1st Earl Macartney
Succeeded by Sir Robert Gunning, 1st Baronet
Personal details
Born 21 March 1721
Died 14 August 1776 (aged 55)
Citizenship British
Nationality Scottish
Spouse Jane Hamilton
Occupation Diplomat, soldier
Nickname Patch Cathcart
Military service
Allegiance Kingdom of Great Britain
Branch/service British Army
Battles/wars War of the Austrian Succession

Jacobite Rising of 1745

Lieutenant-General Charles Schaw Cathcart, 9th Lord Cathcart (born March 21, 1721 – died August 14, 1776) was an important British soldier and diplomat. He was also the leader of the Clan Cathcart, a famous Scottish family.

Life Story of Lord Cathcart

Early Life and Military Career

Charles Cathcart was born on March 21, 1721. His father was Charles Cathcart, 8th Lord Cathcart. Charles grew up not supporting the old royal family, the Stuarts.

He became a special assistant, called an aide-de-camp, to Prince William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland. In 1745, during the Battle of Fontenoy, he was shot in the face. A famous painting by Joshua Reynolds shows him covering the scar with a black silk patch. This is how he got his nickname, 'Patch Cathcart'.

The next year, at the Battle of Culloden, he was again helping the Duke of Cumberland. Charles was wounded in battle once more.

Family Estates and Honors

Charles was the last Lord Cathcart to inherit his family's estate called Sundrum. Later, he sold Sundrum in 1758. He also inherited another estate called Schawpark.

In 1763, he was given a special honor. He became a Knight of the Order of the Thistle. This is a very important award in Scotland.

Diplomatic Role in Russia

In August 1768, Lord Cathcart became the ambassador for Great Britain in St. Petersburg, Russia. An ambassador is a country's official representative in another country. He was welcomed by Catherine the Great, who was the Empress of Russia at the time. He worked at the Russian court until 1772.

After returning to Britain, he was chosen as the Rector of Glasgow University in 1773. This was an important role at the university.

In 1775, he hired a famous architect named Robert Adam to redesign his home, Schawpark. However, Lord Cathcart passed away on August 14, 1776, before the work was finished.

Family Life

Collot-Falconet, Mary Cathcart (cropped)
A bust of his daughter Mary.

On July 24, 1753, Charles Cathcart married Jean Hamilton. She was the daughter of Captain Lord Archibald Hamilton.

Charles and Jean had nine children:

  • Jane (born 1754 – died 1790)
  • William Cathcart, 1st Earl Cathcart (born 1755 – died 1843)
  • Mary Cathcart (born 1757 – died 1792), who was known for her beauty.
  • Louisa (born 1758 – died 1843)
  • Charles (born 1759 – died 1788)
  • John (born 1761 – died 1762)
  • Archibald (born 1764 – died 1841)
  • A son who was stillborn in 1768.
  • Thomas Gainsborough - The Honourable Mrs Graham (1757 - 1792) - Google Art Project
    Thomas Gainsborough - The Honourable Mrs Graham (1757 - 1792), 1777.
    Catherine Charlotte (born 1770 – died 1794)

Military Ranks

Lord Cathcart held several important military ranks during his career:

  • Captain in 1742
  • Colonel in 1750
  • Major-General in 1758
  • Lieutenant-General in 1760
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