Leslie, David

views updated May 21 2018

Leslie, David (c.1600–82). Like his namesake Alexander Leslie, David Leslie also fought alongside Gustav Adolf of Sweden. He returned to Scotland in 1640 to help the covenanters and commanded the Scottish cavalry at Marston Moor in 1644. He was then recalled to Scotland to deal with Montrose, whom he defeated at Philiphaugh in September 1645. When Charles II accepted the covenant in 1650, David Leslie had effective control, under Alexander Leslie, of the Scottish forces resisting Cromwell, but they were heavily defeated at Dunbar. Outmanœuvred in the subsequent campaign, he commanded the royalist advance into England, was beaten at Worcester, and subsequently captured. He remained a prisoner until the Restoration, when he was created Lord Newark [S]. As a commander he was careful and patient rather than inspired.

J. A. Cannon