Banastre Tarleton

General Sir Banastre Tarleton, 1st Baronet, GCB (21 August 1754 – 15 January 1833) was a British military officer and politician. He was the leader of the British Legion during the southern campaign of the American War of Independence. After promotion to lieutenant colonel, he later served in Portugal and held commands in Ireland and England, eventually reaching the rank of General in his later years. After returning to Great Britain in 1781, Tarleton was elected to Parliament as a member for Liverpool. He served as a prominent Whig politician for 20 years. Banastre Tarleton was the third of seven children born to merchant John Tarleton and his wife in Liverpool, England. His birthplace at 7 Water Street is marked by a plaque at the corner with Fenwick Street (53°24′23″N 2°59′32″W / 53.4065°N 2.9922°W / 53.4065; -2.9922). Tarleton's father had prospered in the West Indian sugar trade and also managed several slaving vessels. Tarleton’s & Backhouse became one of the largest import-export companies in Britain. The family had trade interests throughout America and dealt in many cargoes, including slaves.