The New International Encyclopædia/Richmond, Charles Lennox, third Duke of

RICHMOND, Charles Lennox, third Duke of (1735-1806). An English diplomat and statesman. He was born in London, and succeeded to the peerage on the death of his father, the second Duke, in 1750. He was educated at Westminster School, later proceeding to Leyden University, where he graduated in 1753. He entered the army, saw active service in France, and was mentioned for his bravery at the battle of Minden in 1759, where he served as colonel of his regiment. He received a Court appointment, but, disagreeing with George III., resigned and joined the opposition Ministry. In 1765 he was sent to Paris as Ambassador Extraordinary, became a Privy Councilor, and the following year was appointed Secretary of State for the South. He was a strong supporter of the American colonies in their demands for redress of grievances; in 1770 he introduced conciliatory resolutions which were carried by a majority, and in 1775 during a debate on American affairs defended the attitude of the colonists, declaring that their resistance was “neither treason nor rebellion, but perfectly justifiable in every possible political and moral sense.” In 1778 he moved the resolution for the withdrawal of the troops from America. In 1782 he received the appointment of master-general of ordnance with a Cabinet seat, and was created a knight of the Garter. He was reinstated in royal favor, and his later career was marked by subserviency to Court interests.