Dictionary of Indian Biography/Cornwallis, Sir William
CORNWALLIS, SIR WILLIAM (1744–1819)
Son of Charles, first Earl Cornwallis : entered the Navy, 1755 : engaged constantly during his service, in N. America, the Mediterranean, W. Indies, etc., until, in 1789, he went out to India as naval C. in C. : in 1791, when there was war against Tippoo, he insisted on searching French ships for contraband of war, and, when war against France broke out, he seized French ships, Chandernagore and Pondicherry: returned to England, 1794, and saw further service in the Channel and the W. Indies : G.C.B. : died July 5. 1819.