ABERCROMBY, Sir John (1772-1817), of Tullibody, Clackmannan.

Published in The History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1790-1820, ed. R. Thorne, 1986
Available from Boydell and Brewer

Constituency

Dates

7 Aug. 1815 - 14 Feb. 1817

Family and Education

b. 2 Apr. 1772, 2nd s. of Gen. Sir Ralph Abercromby*, and bro. of Hons. Alexander Abercromby*, George Abercromby* and James Abercromby*. unm. KCB 2 Jan. 1815; GCB 7 Apr. 1815.

Offices Held

Cornet 4 Drag. 1782, ensign 1786; lt. 75 Ft. 1787, capt. 1792; maj. 94 Ft. 1794, brevet lt.-col. 1794; lt.-col. 53 Ft. 1795, col. 1807; brevet col. 1800, maj.-gen. 1805, lt.-gen. 1812.

C.-in-c. Bombay 1809-13, gov. and c.-in-c. Madras ad. int. 1813-14.

Biography

Abercromby, ‘the likest in face and manner’ to his father, was a prisoner of war in France from 1802 until he was exchanged in 1809. He followed the military traditions of his family and, like his uncle Sir Robert Abercromby, took up an Indian command. In 1810 he captured Mauritius and received the thanks of the House, 14 Jan. 1812. In 1815 he replaced his eldest brother George as Member for the county and, making no mark in the House, did not oppose government. He died at Marseilles, 14 Feb. 1817.

Letters of John Ramsey (Scottish Hist. Soc. ser 4), iii. 70, 184, 198, 200; Geo. III Corresp. iv. 3235.

Ref Volumes: 1790-1820

Author: R. G. Thorne

Notes