The biographical account of a man who served 18th-century American society as a prominent citizen in peacetime and as a soldier in the Seven Years’ War and the American Revolution
 
At the beginning of the Revolutionary War Stirling was appointed a colonel in the New Jersey Continental Line and from there rose to the rank of Major General. A brave and loyal soldier, he greatly impressed General George Washington, who made him commander of one of the five divisions of the Continental Army. Serving in this capacity, Stirling made his reputation as a military man fighting in the battles of Long Island, White Plains, Trenton, Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth. He spent the winter of 1777-78 with Washington at Valley Forge. From time to time he carried out independent military operations, most notably a raid against Staten Island in January 1780. Stirling’s buoyant optimism and reckless enthusiasm for any task led one military comrade to state that his high birth and good humor provided him with many more opportunities in life than his skill and intelligence would have permitted. He died while in command of the Northern Department on January 15, 1783, full of military glory and, according to one cynic, “good liquor.”
 

Paul David Nelson is Professor of History, Berea College.

“A popular officer, enthusiastic campaigner, and member of George Washington’s inner circle, the self-styled Lord Stirling participated in virtually every major military action in the Middle States from the evacuation of Long Island to the battle of Monmouth Courthouse. Nelson has written an able account of the life and times of William Alexander.”
—Journal of American History
 

“The only nobleman’ in Washington’s army, . . . Stirling proved to be an unexpectedly good headquarters general who provided Washington with reliable support, both in the field and in Washington’s quarrels with other officers.”
—CHOICE
 
“Paul David Nelson has written an exceptionally fine biography of an enigmatic figure.”
—History