General Alexander McDougall

   Alexander McDougall was one of those renaissance men who took part in the American Revolution.  They are a part of the fascination I have for this event.

  Born on the Isle of Islay in Scotland in 1732 his family emigrated to New York in 1738. During his life McDougall served as a seaman, a merchant and a privateer.  As a leader of the political Sons of liberty in New York city he was prominent in the events  leading towards independence.  During the War he raised The 1st New York Regiment and served as Major General.  He commanded his brigade and fought at the Battle of White Plains in October 1776.  For much of the war he commanded in the Hudson highlands and later at West Point.

  After the war he served as a delegate to the Continental Congress, President of the Bank of New York and served a term in the New York State Senate.

  The miniature is from Fife and Drum.  I have painted him as he might have looked commanding his brigade at White Plains in 1776.  He wears his old regimental uniform, but with the pink or red ribbon and cockade  of a brigadier general.  His faithful hound (from Warbases) adds a nice touch to the command stand.