Sir Henry Clinton (1730–1795) was a British Army officer and politician, best known for his role as a general during the American Revolutionary War. Born on April 16, 1730, to Admiral George Clinton, he began his military career in 1745 and steadily rose through the ranks. His early service included participation in the Seven Years' War, where he gained valuable experience.
Clinton arrived in North America in 1775 as a major general and second-in-command to General Sir William Howe. He played a key role in several major battles, including the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Battle of Long Island. In 1778, he succeeded Howe as the Commander-in-Chief of British forces in North America, a position he held until 1782. During his tenure, he oversaw significant campaigns, such as the capture of Charleston in 1780, but his leadership was marred by the British defeat at Yorktown in 1781, for which he was partly blamed.
After returning to England, Clinton spent much of his later life defending his reputation, including publishing a narrative of his wartime experiences. He also served as a Member of Parliament and was appointed Governor of Gibraltar, though he passed away on December 23, 1795, before assuming the post.
