#120 Charles Cochrane--A Final Misfortune

Misfortune is the theme for this week.  As soon as I saw that, I knew immediately which one of my ancestors was most unfortunate.  That would be Charles Cochrane, my great time 4 uncle.  Charles was born on January 12, 1749 to Thomas Cochrane, the 8th Earl of Dundonald and Jean Stewart.  In 1770, he married Catherine Pitcairn, the daughter of Major John Pitcairn.

Coming from a family with a strong military and naval tradition, Charles joined the army at the age of 13.  Charles served as an Ensign in the 25th Regiment for six years, and a Lieutenant in the 7th Regiment for another 6 years. As a Captain in the 4th Regiment of Foot, known as the King’s Own, Charles came to Boston in 1774.   On April 19, 1775 Charles was on patrol in the countryside around Boston, but did not participate in the Battle of Bunker Hills.  However, his father-in-law was killed in that battle.

Charles continued to serve in the colonies until June of 1780, when he requested leave to return to England to see his wife and two children.  He then returned with them to New York.  In October, 1781, Charles was sent by Sir Henry Clinton to Yorktown, Virginia with orders for General Cornwallis.  The French Fleet had blocked the Virginia Cape, requiring Cochrane to sail ashore in a small boat while the French fleet fired at him.  Cornwallis was so impressed with Cochrane that he appointed him his aide de camp.

So far Charles Cochrane’s military career seems pretty good, but not for long.  His unfortunately event then occurred.  It is well described in The Fighting Cochranes by Alexander Cochrane, on page 162

Cornwallis

 “…he did not long outlive his exploit or his appointment.  Ever the keen and enthusiastic soldier, a day or two after his arrival in Yorktown he went on to the besieged walls with the Earl of Cornwallis.  There he sighted a gun; fired it; then peered over the parapet to see the effect of his shot.  As he did so, against all the odds, he was killed instantly by an enemy cannon-ball.”


That was indeed a misfortunate for Charles Cochrane, who lost his life, but also for his wife, who lost both her husband and her father in the war.

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