Cunningham, Robert

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Cunningham, Robert

CUNNINGHAM, ROBERT. (1739–1813). Loyalist leader. Ireland. Settling near Ninety Six, South Carolina, in 1769, Robert Cunningham became a judge. He opposed the Revolutionary movement, and in 1775 he was imprisoned in Charleston. After his release he raised Loyalist militias and joined the British forces in 1780. Made a brigadier general of Loyalist forces and given command of the garrison at Charleston, Cunningham took part in Hammond's Store Raid, but saw little other action. The South Carolina legislature confiscated his estate in 1782 and refused him permission to remain in the state. Given a generous allowance by the British government, Cunningham settled at Nassau, where he died on 9 February 1813.

SEE ALSO Hammonds Store Raid of William Washington.

                            revised by Michael Bellesiles

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Cunningham, Robert

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