Samuel Leslie

Samuel Leslie
Bornc. 1740
Died1794
Military career
AllegianceKingdom of Great Britain
Branch
British Army
Rank
Captain
Unit14th Regiment of Foot
Conflicts
American Revolutionary War

Samuel Leslie (c. 1740 – 1794) was a British military captain active during the American Revolutionary War.

Garrison Duty and the Boston Massacre

Leslie attained a captaincy in the 14th Regiment of Foot and was stationed in Boston during the Boston Massacre..

Revolutionary War in Virginia

In late 1775, Leslie's regiment moved to Virginia to support Lord Dunmore. Acting as senior officer, Leslie led counter-insurgency raids along Virginia waterways. On December 9, 1775, Leslie led an assault against Patriot earthworks at the Battle of Great Bridge. Following heavy casualties and the death of Captain Charles Fordyce, Leslie ordered a retreat . Leslie subsequently participated in the naval bombardment that destroyed Norfolk on New Year's Day 1776.

Later Life

Leslie survived the war, returned to Great Britain, and died in 1794.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Samuel Leslie Biography". American Battlefield Trust. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Captain Samuel Leslie: British Bombardment Commander at Norfolk". History is for Everyone. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Rust, Randal (November 11, 2025). "Battle of Great Bridge". American History Central. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
  4. ↑ "A Fair Account of the Late Unhappy Disturbance (Affidavit No. 102)". Massachusetts Historical Society. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
  5. ↑ "Tensions Build in October 1775: Historical Episodes". Virginia Beach VA250 Committee. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
  6. ↑ "Great Bridge History and Facts". Backroads Automotive. April 15, 2025. Retrieved October 30, 2026.