Patrick Alexander Agnew facts for kids

Patrick Alexander Agnew (1765–1813) was an important British military officer. He was the very first Military Governor of British Ceylon in a place called Trincomalee. This was a part of what is now Sri Lanka.

He started this big job in August 1795. He served as governor until March 1, 1796. After him, James Stuart took over. Later in his career, in 1811, Patrick Agnew became a major general in the East India Company. This company was a powerful British trading group that also had its own army.

His Family Life

Patrick Alexander Agnew was born in 1765. His father was Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Agnew. Patrick married Margaret Mackintosh on April 14, 1794. She passed away in 1814.

Patrick Agnew himself died on January 8, 1813. He was buried in a place called St Swithins, Walcot, near Bath in England. One of his family members, Sir Patrick Dalreagle Agnew, also became a notable person in India much later.

His Military Career

Patrick Agnew started his army career on April 20, 1744. He joined the Madras European Regiment as an Ensign. This was a low-ranking officer position.

He took part in two military campaigns against a ruler known as Tippoo. In these campaigns, he worked as a Staff Officer. This meant he helped the main commanders plan and organize.

In 1792, he became the Deputy Adjutant General for Lord Cornwallis. Later, he was the Chief of Staff when the British captured Ceylon. This shows he was a trusted and skilled officer.

In 1799, he was the Military Secretary to General George Harris. This was during another campaign against Tippoo. Later that same year, he became the Adjutant General for the entire army. This was a very important role, managing army administration.

As a Lieutenant Colonel, he led a group of soldiers to stop the Polygar rebellion in 1801. This was a local uprising. Lord Clive praised him for his success in putting down this rebellion.

In 1804, he was made Colonel of the 21st Native Infantry. Two years later, he was called back to London. He had to explain some issues that had happened in the army. He was cleared of any wrongdoing.

After that, he returned to India. He became the Adjutant General for the Java Expedition. This was another military mission. When he came back with important messages, he was given the Java medal as an award.