James Pattison (British Army officer) facts for kids

James Pattison (1723-1805) was a brave officer in the British army. He was part of the Royal Artillery, a special group that used cannons and big guns. Pattison helped in important battles, like the Battle of Fontenoy. He also played a big role in the American War of Independence. He even became the military leader of New York City for a time. He started as a "Chief Firemaster" and ended his career as a top colonel.

Pattison's Family Life

James Pattison was born in 1723. He was the second of three sons. His father, also named James Pattison, was a merchant. His mother was Mary Maxey. James had two brothers, Nathaniel and Samuel. They became important in the silk industry in a place called Congleton.

James married a woman named Mary. Her father was Albert Borgard. Albert was a Danish man who helped start the Royal Regiment of Artillery. Mary was born in 1724. She was buried in Plumstead, Kent, in 1792. She was 72 years old. James and Mary had a son named Nathaniel. He was born in 1754 in Scotland. Sadly, Nathaniel died the next year. He was also buried in Plumstead.

General Pattison passed away on March 1, 1805. He was at his home in Hill Street, London. He was buried with his family in Plumstead a few days later.

Becoming a High-Ranking Officer

James Pattison rose through the ranks in the Royal Artillery. He started as a "Lieut. Fireworker" in 1740. This was a junior officer role. He became a Captain in 1747. By 1759, he was a Major. He continued to get promoted.

In 1764, Pattison became the first lieutenant-governor of the Royal Military Academy. This was a school for training army officers. He was given a lot of freedom to make changes. He was very excited about his new job. He created many new rules and ways of doing things for the academy.

His highest ranks included:

• Colonel Commandant: 1777
• Major General: 1779
• Lieutenant General: 1787
• General: 1797

Important Military Missions

Serving in Europe

Pattison fought bravely in Flanders. He was part of the Battle of Fontenoy. This was an important battle. Later, he was chosen for a special mission. This was at the end of the Seven Years' War. He went to Portugal in 1762. He led about 400 men and many cannons. Everyone respected him for his calm and polite manner. Officers who served under him liked him very much.

In 1769, Colonel Pattison went to Venice. His job was to help organize the Venetian Artillery. This was a challenging task. He stayed there until 1772.

Fighting in America

In 1777, James Pattison became a colonel commandant. He was in charge of a large group of the Royal Artillery. He arrived in New York. There, he took command of all the Royal Artillery in America. He had the rank of brigadier-general.

He helped capture some important places. These included Verplank Point. He also helped take Forts Clinton and Montgomery. These forts were on the Hudson River. This happened in October 1777. Pattison stayed in charge of the artillery. This was until Sir Henry Clinton moved the army. Sir Henry Clinton was the British Commander-in-Chief.

Pattison had other important jobs in New York. He was made the military commandant of the city. This meant he was in charge of its defenses. He also looked after the local army, called the militia. He lived at No. 1 Broadway. This house was near Bowling Green.

In September 1780, James Pattison went back to England. He was not feeling well. He did not return to active duty after that. He served twice as the Commandant of the Woolwich Garrison.

Pattison's Love for Art

While in Venice, Pattison became very interested in paintings. He wrote letters to his brother about it. These letters show he knew important art collectors. He was one of the few people allowed to join Lord Bute's special group.

After Pattison died, his house contents were sold. This happened in 1805. Many Venetian paintings were included. There were works by famous artists. These included Bellini, Titian, and Bassano.

General Pattison also had his portrait painted. It was done by Thomas Lawrence. This was one of Lawrence's early and famous works. It was shown at the Royal Academy in 1790.