ALEXANDER CUNINGHAM ROBERTSON was born in Edinburgh, February 8th, 1816, and was educated at the High School and University of that city. Having chosen a military career, he took service, while waiting to be gazetted to an English regiment, with “the Spanish Legion,” under Sir De Lacy Evans. He was present at several actions with the Carlists, was severely wounded, and received three Spanish decorations. In 1841 he joined the British Army, and went with the 34th Regiment to Canada, where during the prolonged winters he distinguished himself by his habits of application which bore fruit afterwards in several Staff appointments. He subsequently served in India, and took a prominent part in the Siege of Delhi during the great Mutiny, but, being prostrated with fever, he was not present at the final assault.
After his return to England he obtained command of the 2nd Battalion of the King's, now called the “Liverpool” Regiment in honour of General Robertson, whose later years were spent in Liverpool, where he displayed great energy in his management both of Militia and Volunteer forces. Liverpool and Edinburgh both greatly lament his loss. He was not only a most energetic soldier, but also a man of much literary ability. He translated Tasso's great poem, compiled the Records of his favourite regiment, the King's, and wrote many letters and papers in the public journals. He died on Tuesday, December 2nd. Our portrait is from a photograph by Brown, Barnes, and Bell, Liverpool.”
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Created 28 August 2020