Hugh Percy, 2nd Duke of Northumberland

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Hugh Percy, 2nd Duke of Northumberland (born Hugh Smithson, 14 August 1742 – 10 July 1817) was a British Army officer and politician. He joined the army in 1759, becoming captain of the 85th Regiment of Foot at 17. He fought in the Seven Years’ War at Bergen and Minden, studied at Cambridge in 1760, and married Lady Anne Crichton-Stuart in 1764. After their divorce in 1779, he married Frances Julia Burrell.

As a Whig MP for Westminster (1763–1776), he opposed the policies that led to the American War of Independence. In 1774 he went to Boston with the local rank of brigadier general and commanded the 5th Regiment of Foot. He helped lead the relief at Lexington and Concord and fought at Long Island and Fort Washington. He was known for humane military leadership, detesting corporal punishment and leading by example.

In 1777 he resigned his command after disagreements with General Howe. He inherited the dukedom in 1786 when his father died. He was made Knight of the Garter in 1788 and became a full general in 1793. He led the Percy Yeomanry Regiment in 1798 and was colonel of the Royal Horse Guards in 1806.

He died in 1817 and was buried in the Northumberland Vault at Westminster Abbey. He was succeeded by his son, Hugh Percy, 3rd Duke of Northumberland. His illegitimate half-brother was James Smithson, founder of the Smithsonian Institution.