BAIRD, Sir DAVID, Bart., ageneral in the British army, was b. 6th Dec., 1757, at Newhyth, Scotland. Ile entered the service in 1772 as an ensign in the 2d foot, was promoted to a lieutenancy in 1778, and immediately after obtained a company in the 73d, a Highland regiment just raised by lord Macleod, with which he sailed to India. In the course of a few months, the young officer was plunged amid the perils of a sud• den and sanguinary war. The English had excited the hostility of nyder All by a gross breach of faith; and in the July of 1780, the latter burst into the Carnatic at the head of 100,000 men, disciplined and commanded by French officers. On the 10th of Sept., a portion of the English army fell into an ambuscade at Peramboueum, and was cut to pieces. Among the few who remained alive to be taken prisoners was Baird, whose heroism had actually startled the French officers who were opposed to him. He was thrown into a dungeon at Seringapatam, where he endured a captivity of four years, that must have been peculiarly galling to a spirit so fierce, restless, and resolute as his. Released in July, 1784, he obtained the majority of the 71st in 1789, and in the Oct. of the same year visited England. In 1791, he returned, a lieutenant-colonel, and took part in several important sieges, attacks, and skirmishes; in 1795, he received a colonelcy; in 1798, he was raised to the rank of major-general; and in 1799 memorably signtilized himself at the victorious assault of Seringapatam. Ile led the storming-party, having obtained that perilous honor at his own urgent request, col. Wellesley (afterwards duke of Wellington) commanding the reserve. In requital of his brilliant services, lie
was presented by the army, through the commander-in-chief, general Harris, with the state-sword of Tippoo Saib, and also with a dress-sword from the field:officers who served under him at the assault. IIis merit was likewise acknowledged by the home government. In the following year, he was appointed to the command of an expedition against Batavia, but which was afterwards sent to Egypt. On his return to India, he found that the star of Wellesley Was in the ascendant; and B., who bad already com plained of the preference given to that officer, and who was, besides, of opinion that his own merits were constantly overlooked, applied for leave of absence, and sailed for Europe in 1803. In was received at court with great distinction, knighted in June, 1804, and made a E.C.B. in the following August. In 1805, he commanded an expedition against the Dutch settlements at the cape of Good Hope, which was successful; in 1807. he commanded a division at the siege of Copenhagen; and in 1808, was sent to Spain with an army of 10,000 Men, to assist bir John Moore. He distinguished himself in the battle of Corunna, Jan. 16, 1809. Moore been killed in the action, Sir David succeeded to the chief command; and had the honor of communicating the intelligence of the victory to government. On this occasion he received, for the fourth time nir:his life, the thanks of parliament, and was created a baronet. • After this period, he from active service. He d:.Aug. 18,;1829.' . • , .