Charles Cathcart

Charles Allan Cathcart (28 December 1759 – 10 June 1788) was a British noble and politician. From 1784 to 1788, he served as a member of parliament for Clackmannanshire. In 1787 he was "invested with full powers by His Majesty and the East India Company to open a commercial intercourse with the Emperor of China," dying en route. Early life and education Charles Allan Cathcart was born on 28 December 1759. He was the second son of Charles Cathcart, the 9th Lord Cathcart, and Jean, the daughter of Lord Archibald Hamilton. He had an older brother, William, and younger brothers Archibald and George. He also had the younger sisters Jane, Mary, and Louisa. He graduated from Eton in 1767. He was educated at Glasgow University, graduating in 1772. Career Military positions He joined the British Army in the United States in 1776 as a volunteer, until he was commissioned in the 23rd Foot as a 2nd lieutenant in 1777. He became a captain in the 77th Foot in December 1777. While sailing to join the 77th Foot in Ireland from New York City, he was captured by a French privateer. When he was released, in 1780 he was made major and second in command of the 98th Foot under William Fullarton. In 1781 he began serving in India, and he distinguished himself in battle against the French at Cuddalore in June 1783.