Sir Eyre Coote c. 1760 - 1823
Sir Eyre Coote , of West Park, Hants. MP, General in the Army, Governor of Jamaica 1806-12. "At the age of fifteen, left his studies at the College of Dublin to embrace a military life; he served with high reputation in the whole American war, and was taken prisoner with Lord Cornwallis at the unfortunate Convention of York-town. Early in the present war we find Brigadier General Coote commanding the light brigade, which, under the present Lord (then Sir Charles) Grey reduced the valuable West Indian islands of Guadloupe, Martinique, St Lucia, St Vincent's, Tobago, &c his admirable conduct was, during this arduous campaign, most highly applauded. On the appearance of the French in Bantry Bay, in 1796, General Coote, fortunately for his country, held the command of the Southern district; his conduct at that time is within our own knowledge and recollection, and the British Empire cannot forget that to that conduct it was owing that the spirit of sedition which actuated the Southern peasantry was not only awed into tranquillity, but even assumed the appearance of most ardent loyalty. After this fignal service, General Coote was appointed to command at Dover, from whence he volunteered in the expedition to Ostend; in which, having effected the great purpose of destroying the communications by water between France and Holland, he was by the accident of chance of wind, taken prisoner. When exchanged, General Coote was again appointed to command Dover, which he once more surrendered in order to obey the call of honor, when chosen to serve Sir Ralph Abercrombie." (Freeman's Journal, Ireland 23 July 1801) "We lately announced the death of Lt Gen Sir Eyre Coote, of West Park, Hants, which took place on the 10th inst in Brooks St London. Sir Eyre was in the 63rd year of his age. He had 'faithfully served king and country' says a correspondent 'in various climates for forty years, and with distinguished merits as an officer having received the thanks of both houses of Parliament for his conduct'. His loss will long and deeply regretted by an amiable widow and son, and numerous attached friends who knew his worth and in him the poor of his neighbourhood have been deprived of a most kind and liberal benefactor." (Freemans Journal, Ireland 18 December 1823)
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| Born: c. 1760 | Baptised:
| | Died: Brook st, London, , , England 10th Dec 1823 | Buried:
| | Family: Coote |
Sources
- Family Archivists: see
Coote
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