Robert MacKenzie Holden

“ On the outbreak of the war with the American colonists he proceeded to America with the reinforcements under the command of Lord Cornwallis, and was granted the local rank of major-general, dated 1 Jan. 1776. He led the grenadiers of the army at the battle of Brooklyn or Long Island; and was present at the battle of White Plains, where he was wounded in the thigh. At the end of the year he went home to England with Lord Cornwallis, but returned to America in 1777, on 29 Aug. of which year he was promoted to the rank of major-general. ”

“ In the debate on a motion for an inquiry into the whole circumstances, he declared upon his honour, and expressed his anxiety to confirm it upon oath, that neither directly nor indirectly, by fair means or foul, had he made a single shilling by the business. ”

“ As a reward for his faithful service he was on 26 March 1881 given the appointment of major and lieutenant-governor of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, where he died on 24 Jan. 1885. He was buried with military honours, and a brass tablet has been erected in the hospital to his memory. ”