William Alexander: This Rebel Earl Was a Hero of the American Revolution
New York City-born William Alexander served the patriot cause during the Revolution as the “Rebel Earl,” Lord Stirling.
Here s What You Need to Know: On November 7, 1775, Stirling was commissioned a colonel in the Continental Army and took command of the 1st New Jersey Regiment.
Of all the generals who fought on the Patriot side during the American Revolution, none was more renowned than New York City native William Alexander, better known to his contemporaries as “Lord Stirling.” Called a “great addition to the [Continental] army” by one contemporary, Stirling became one of George Washington’s ablest lieutenants. He never hesitated when it came time to choose between America and the British Empire he was a rebel from the beginning.