Beresford

Beresford, WILLIAM CARR BERESFORD, VISCOUNT, general, was born in 1768, a natural son of the first Marquis of Waterford. He entered the army in 1785, in 1786 lost his left eye through an accident, and, after serving in all the four continents, bore a conspicuous part (1806) in the reconquest of the Cape, and the capture of Buenos Ayres. The latter achievement was followed by his own surrender, but in 1807 he made his escape. In 1808 he did gallant service during the retreat to Corunna; and in 1809 he took the command of the Portuguese army, with the local rank of lieutenant-general. He succeeded in improving its discipline so greatly, as soon to render it highly efficient for active service. For his services at Busaco (1810) he was made a Knight of the Bath; and for his victory over Soult at Albuera (1811) he received the thanks of parliament. He was present at Badajoz, and at Salamanca, where he was severely wounded, and distinguished himself in many other battles. In 1814 he was created Baron, and in 1823 Viscount, Beresford. He quitted Portugal in 1822; and in the Wellington administration (1828–30) he was master-general of the ordnance. He bore the title of Duke of Elvas in Spain, and of Conde de Trancoso in Portugal. He died, without issue, 8th January 1854, when his title became extinct.