James Welsh (East India Company officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
General
James Welsh
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Portrait by Zoffany, c. 1840
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| Allegiance | .svg){kind=small} East India Company |
| Service/ |
Madras Army |
| Years of service | 1790–1848 |
| Rank | General |
| Battles/wars |
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General James Welsh (1775–1861) was an English officer. He served in the Madras Army of the East India Company. He had a long and important military career in India.
Contents
Early Life and Military Start
James Welsh was born in England on March 12, 1775. When he was just 15, he joined the East India Company's army. He became an ensign, a junior officer, in 1790. He arrived in Madras, India, in 1791. He soon joined a regiment and served under Lord Cornwallis.
Welsh became a lieutenant in 1792. He took part in the siege of Pondicherry in 1793. Later, he helped capture Colombo and Ceylon in 1796. He then worked as a fort-adjutant in different locations.
Fighting in the Maratha Wars
In 1799, Welsh was promoted to captain. He joined a force led by Major-General Arthur Wellesley. This force was fighting against the Marathas in India. Welsh marched across India with his troops.
In 1803, he helped capture the town and fortress of Ahmadnagar. He also fought in the Battle of Argaum in 1803. He led troops in the attack on Gawilgarh. Welsh was known for his quick actions. He once led 250 men on a long march to capture Mankarsir.
He continued to serve in various roles. He helped capture several hill forts, like Chandore and Gaulna. During one mission, he caught a serious fever. This illness affected him for many years.
A Difficult Decision at Palamcottai
In 1805, Welsh took command of his battalion in Poona. Later, he moved to Palamcottai. In November 1805, he uncovered a plot. Some native soldiers planned to attack the Europeans there.
Welsh acted quickly. He arrested the main plotters. He also disarmed the native soldiers and removed Muslim troops from the fort. Some people thought he acted too fast. He faced a court-martial for his actions. However, he was found innocent in 1807. The government praised him for protecting the Europeans. But the governor, Lord William Bentinck, also said that innocent people should not be punished with the guilty.
Battles and Promotions
Welsh became a major in 1807. After a break, he returned to India in 1809. He led a daring attack on the defenses of Travancore. His bravery was highly praised by the East India Company. He continued to lead troops, capturing several hill forts. He arrived in Trivandrum, the capital of Travancore, in March 1809.
In 1812, he commanded a small force. They put down a rebellion in the Wainad region. He became a lieutenant-colonel in 1813. He then served as a deputy judge-advocate-general in Bangalore.
Welsh continued to rise through the ranks. He commanded troops in Malabar and Kanara in 1821. He also commanded forces in Vellore, Travancore, and Cochin. In 1826, he helped prevent a rebellion in Kolhapur.
Later Career and Retirement
In 1829, Welsh went back to England. He was promoted to colonel. The next year, he published a book. It was called Military Reminiscences. This book shared his experiences from nearly 40 years of service in India. It is still useful today for learning about southern India.
Welsh returned to India in 1837 as a major-general. He commanded the northern division of the Madras presidency. He was promoted to lieutenant-general in 1846. He left India in 1847 after 58 years of service. The governor praised his bravery and dedication. He became a full general in 1854. James Welsh passed away in Bath, England, on January 24, 1861.
His Family Life
In 1794, James Welsh married Sarah in Calcutta. Sarah was the daughter of Francis Light. Francis Light was the first governor of Prince of Wales Island, Penang. James and Sarah had many children together.
