The Resume

(December 31, 1738-October 5, 1805)
Born in London, United Kingdom
Named 2nd Earl Cornwallis (1762) and 1st Marquess Cornwallis (1792)
British general during the American Revolution
Surrendered to George Washington at the Battle of Yorktown (1781)
Served as Governor-General of India (1786-93,1805) and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1798-1801)

Why he might be annoying:

Despite having expressed sympathy in Parliament for American colonists, he went to war against them.
He refused to take part in the surrender ceremony after Yorktown, claiming to be ill.
As Governor-General of India, he dismissed Indians from the civil service and reserved any post paying more than 500 pounds a year for Europeans.

Why he might not be annoying:

He voted against the Stamp Act (which imposed a tax on printed materials in the American colonies) and the Declaratory Act (asserting the right of Parliament to legislate for the colonies 'in all cases whatsoever').
As Governor-General of India, he reformed the legal system, creating a legal code that was more humane than the one in Britain.
As Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, he was an advocate for Catholic emancipation.

Credit: C. Fishel

Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

• Born on New Year's Eve [December 31st] (Ranked: 1738)
• C. Fishel's Profiles [Series 26]
• Generals and Admirals
• I am on a U.S. Postage Stamp [A-C]
• I Attended Cambridge
• I Attended Eton
• Look at Me, My Picture Is Art
• Profiles 27501-27750 (Ranked: 27749)
• Satirized on Rocky and Bullwinkle
• Served in the American Revolution [1775-89]

Year In Review:

In 2023, Out of 4 Votes: 75.00% Annoying
In 2022, Out of 2 Votes: 0% Annoying
In 2021, Out of 17 Votes: 88.24% Annoying
In 2020, Out of 4 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2019, Out of 3 Votes: 100% Annoying
In 2018, Out of 3 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
In 2017, Out of 9 Votes: 55.56% Annoying
In 2016, Out of 17 Votes: 58.82% Annoying
In 2015, Out of 2 Votes: 100% Annoying
In 2014, Out of 18 Votes: 55.56% Annoying
In 2013, Out of 9 Votes: 44.44% Annoying
In 2012, Out of 18 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2011, Out of 15 Votes: 53.33% Annoying
In 2010, Out of 24 Votes: 62.50% Annoying
In 2009, Out of 16 Votes: 18.75% Annoying