John de Burgh, 13th Earl of Clanricarde

De Burgh raised the 88th Regiment of Foot, later renamed the Connaught Rangers, in 1793. Having commanded this regiment, he became Colonel of the 66th (Berkshire) Regiment of Foot (1794–1808) and later Governor of Hull (1801–1808). In 1796, he was in command in Corsica under Sir Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound as Viceroy of the Anglo-Corsican Kingdom and, with Commodore Horatio Nelson, planned an attack to re-take Leghorn (Livorno) in Tuscany. He subsequently removed with the remaining military detachments from Corsica to Elba and evacuated the latter island in January 1797.[1] He was promoted full General of the Army in 1803.

De Burgh was also a keen cricketer. He played for Surrey in 1773 but was possibly a guest player as his name only occurs a handful of times in match reports.[2] His contribution to the sport was as a Hambledon Club member. He joined prior to June 1772 when the club's minutes began; and was president of the club in 1784.[3]

He was made Earl of Clanricarde (by a second creation, then later inherited the first creation earldom after the death of his elder brother Henry, the 12th Earl and 1st Marquess) in 1796 and became a Privy Councillor in 1801.[4] He was made Governor and Custos Rotulorum (1798-1808) of County Galway.[5]

Married to Elizabeth, a daughter of Sir Thomas Burke, 1st Baronet, he was succeeded by his son, Ulick John.[6] The couple also had two daughters, Lady Hester, Marchioness of Sligo, and Lady Emily, Countess of Howth.

Burgh was a member of the Anglican Church, while his wife was a Catholic.[7]

• Leigh Rayment's Peerage Pages