Richard FitzPatrick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hon. Richard FitzPatrick
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Chief Secretary for Ireland | |
| In office 1782–1782 |
|
| Monarch | George III |
| Preceded by | William Eden |
| Succeeded by | William Grenville |
| Secretary at War | |
| In office 1783–1783 |
|
| Monarch | George III |
| Prime Minister | The Duke of Portland |
| Preceded by | Sir George Yonge, Bt |
| Succeeded by | Sir George Yonge, Bt |
| In office 1806–1807 |
|
| Monarch | George III |
| Prime Minister | The Lord Grenville |
| Preceded by | William Dundas |
| Succeeded by | Sir James Murray-Pulteney, Bt |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 24 January 1748 Gowran, Kilkenny, Ireland |
| Died | 25 April 1813 (aged 65) Arlington Street, London, England |
| Resting place | St Michael & All Angels, Sunninghill, Windsor |
| Political party | Whig |
| Alma mater | Eton |
General Richard FitzPatrick (24 January 1748 – 25 April 1813) was an Anglo-Irish soldier, writer, and Whig politician. He was known for his cleverness and wit. He served in the British House of Commons, which is like the main part of the British Parliament, for 39 years.
FitzPatrick was a close friend of the famous politician Charles James Fox. He also took part in the American Revolutionary War during the Philadelphia campaign.
Contents
Early Life and Family Connections
Richard FitzPatrick was born in 1748. He was the younger son of John FitzPatrick, 1st Earl of Upper Ossory. An Earl is a high-ranking noble title. His mother was Lady Evelyn.
He had an older brother, John FitzPatrick, 2nd Earl of Upper Ossory. He also had two sisters. One sister, Mary, married Charles James Fox's brother. His other sister, Louisa, married another important politician, William Petty, 2nd Earl of Shelburne.
Childhood and Education
After his father passed away in 1758, Richard's mother moved her children to England. She later married Richard Vernon. Richard's mother died in 1763.
After their mother's death, Richard and his sisters were cared for by their aunt, Gertrude Russell, Duchess of Bedford. Richard went to Eton College, a famous school. There, he met Charles James Fox, who became his lifelong friend. In 1765, Richard began his army career. He joined the First Foot Guards as an ensign, which is a junior officer rank.
Military Service and Roles
In 1772, FitzPatrick was promoted to lieutenant and captain. Even though he disagreed with the war in America, he went with his regiment to New York in 1777. He fought in important battles like the Battle of Brandywine and the Battle of Germantown.
Soon after, he was promoted again to captain and lieutenant colonel. He later returned to England. He continued to be promoted in the army. He became a major general in 1793, a lieutenant general in 1798, and a full general in 1803.
Secretary at War
FitzPatrick served as Secretary at War twice. This role was important for managing the army. He held this position during the short Rockingham administration in 1783. He served again from 1806 to 1807 as part of the Ministry of All the Talents. From 1807 until his death, he was the colonel of the 47th (Lancashire) Regiment of Foot.
Political Career and Influence
In 1770, FitzPatrick became a Member of Parliament for Okehampton. He later represented Tavistock starting in 1774. He served as an MP for over 40 years.
His friend Charles James Fox disagreed with the government's handling of the American colonies. Fox convinced FitzPatrick and his brother, Lord Ossory, to join him. They became key members of a political group called the Foxite Whigs. This group often opposed the government in power.
Parliamentary Contributions
While FitzPatrick was known for his wit, he was not as famous for his speeches as Fox. His speeches in Parliament usually focused on military matters. For example, in 1789, he asked the government to help free the Marquis de Lafayette. Lafayette was a French general who fought in the American Revolution.
During a brief period when his political allies were in power, FitzPatrick served as Chief Secretary for Ireland. This was an important role in the Irish government. In 1806, when the Foxites again formed a government, FitzPatrick became Secretary at War.
A Talented Writer
Besides his military and political work, FitzPatrick was also a poet. His first published work in 1768 was a funny poem. It was a parody of another famous poem. In 1772, he wrote "The Bath Picture."
In 1774, his friend Horace Walpole printed FitzPatrick's poem "Dorinda" at his private press. Three years later, FitzPatrick wrote a special introduction, called a Prologue, for the play The Critic.
Political Satire and Tributes
From 1784 to 1785, FitzPatrick wrote political satire. He worked with other Whig politicians on a work called Criticisms on the Rolliad. This work made fun of members of the government led by William Pitt.
Later, he wrote verses for a special place at the home of Charles Fox. After Fox died, FitzPatrick wrote a short poem that was put on a statue of Fox. The poem praised Fox as a patriot and a beloved friend.
An obituary, which is a notice about someone's death, said that FitzPatrick was a very good poet. It said his poems were smooth and well-thought-out. It also mentioned that he was a politician without wanting too much power, and a poet without being vain.
Social Life and Later Years
Richard FitzPatrick was a popular person in society. Nathaniel Wraxall described him as tall, distinguished, and elegant. He said FitzPatrick's conversation was very attractive. Many people wanted to spend time with him. Horace Walpole called him "an agreeable young man of parts."
From 1773 to 1791, FitzPatrick lived in London. He and Fox enjoyed playing cards at clubs like Almack's, which later became Brooks's. They sometimes faced financial challenges from their games. There were times when creditors, people he owed money to, stopped his coach in London to collect what he owed.
Health and Final Days
In 1791, FitzPatrick bought a country house called Beech Grove. As he got older, his health began to decline. He suffered from gout, a painful joint condition. In 1806, he had an operation.
In 1808, he was described as being "more shattered by age and infirmities than ever." His financial problems eased in 1810. An old friend, the Duke of Queensberry, left him money in his will.
In 1813, Lord Byron, a famous poet, saw FitzPatrick in London. Byron noted that FitzPatrick was frail but still spoke like a gentleman. Richard FitzPatrick passed away on April 25, 1813, at the age of 65. He was buried near his country home. On his tomb, it said that he was "for more than forty years the friend of Mr. Fox."
His nephew, Lord Holland, said that FitzPatrick was one of the most agreeable people he had ever met. He praised FitzPatrick's good temper, manners, taste, and judgment.
FitzPatrick himself had a modest view of his life. Part of a poem he wrote about himself said he didn't seek fame. He was content if his friends remembered him with a tear after he was gone.
