James Pattison (British Army officer)

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James Pattison (1723–1805) was a British Army officer in the Royal Artillery. He helped at the Battle of Fontenoy, served in the American War of Independence, and was the military commandant of New York City. He also became Chief Firemaster at Woolwich and finished his career as Colonel Commanding Royal Artillery.

He was born in 1723, the second of three sons of James Pattison, a merchant, and Mary Maxey. His brothers Nathaniel and Samuel later became known in Cheshire’s silk industry. James Pattison married Mary Borgard, daughter of Albert Borgard, an important figure in establishing the Royal Regiment of Artillery. Mary was born in 1724 and died in 1792. The couple had a son, Nathaniel, born in 1754 in Perth, Scotland, who died in 1755.

Pattison died on March 1, 1805, at his home in Hill Street, Berkeley Square, and was buried with his family at Plumstead.

Career highlights:
- In 1764, Pattison became the first lieutenant-governor of the Royal Military Academy and was allowed to reform the academy. He started with new rules and regulations and worked with great energy.
- He fought in Flanders (Fontenoy) and, after the Seven Years’ War, was chosen to command the artillery companies sent to Portugal in 1762. His eight-company detachment earned him lasting respect.
- From 1769 to 1772, he was in Venice organizing the Venetian Artillery.
- In 1777, Pattison became colonel commandant of the 4th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Artillery, and went to New York with the rank of brigadier-general to command the Royal Artillery in America. He helped capture Verplank Point and Forts Clinton and Montgomery on the Hudson River in October 1777 and led the artillery in the field until the army moved back to New York the next year.
- In New York, he served as military commandant, responsible for fortifications and the militia, living at No. 1 Broadway, Bowling Green.

Health issues in 1780 sent him back to England, and he did not return to active service. He later served twice as Commandant of the Woolwich Garrison.

Personal interests:
While in Venice, Pattison developed an interest in art. He knew notable figures such as Consul Smith and Sir James Wright and moved in the circle of Lord Bute. After his death, his Hill Street house contents were auctioned by Christie’s on May 24, 1805, featuring Venetian paintings by Bellini, Titian, Bassano, and five works by Gaudi. He sat for a distinguished portrait by Sir Thomas Lawrence, shown at the Royal Academy in 1790.