FAIRFAX, THOMAS, LORD, a Brit ish military officer ; born in Denton, Eng land, Jan. 17, 1611. He was the eldest son of Ferdinand, Lord Fairfax. On the first breaking out of the civil discon tents, following the example of his father, Fairfax embraced the popular side, and ranged himself as one of the firmest opponents of the royal party in Church and state. On the commence ment of hostilities, he was commissioned by the Parliament to act as general of the horse under his father, who was made commander in the north. After the passing of the "Self-denying ordi nance," Fairfax was appointed general, conjointly with Cromwell. He and Skip ton commanded the main body of the Parliamentary army at the battle,• of Naseby; after which he marched with a powerful division to the W. counties; and, having reduced Exeter and other important towns, proceeded to lay siege to Oxford. His conduct on all occasions,,
was marked by the highest sense of honor and humanity. During the Com monwealth Cromwell treated him with contempt. After Cromwell's death, when it became evident that the restoration of the monarchy was the general wish, he came forward to co-operate in bringing about that event. It was through his in fluence mainly that the Irish brigade for sook Lambert and joined Monk's army. Fairfax then seized York on the royal behalf; was made a member of the heal ing Parliament; and was nominated head of the committee appointed to wait upon Charles II. at The Hague and in vite him to the throne of England. On the Restoration he withdrew altogether from active life. He wrote "Short Memorials" of his life, etc. He died near York, England, Nov. 12, 1671.