Sackville

Sackville, George, Viscount (1716-85), soldier and statesman, third son of the first Duke of Dorset, was educated at Westminster School and at Dublin University, whilst his father was Viceroy of Ireland. He entered the Army in 1737, and fought bravely at Dettingen and Fontenoy, and in 1758 was made lieutenant-general. In the following year he was tried by court-martial on a charge of cowardice, and dismissed the service, the accusation being based on his refusal to lead his troops forward at the Battle of Minden. After the accession of George III., however, he was reinstated in favour, and appointed Colonial Secretary during the American War (1775-82). He was created viscount in the latter year. He was credited with the authorship of the Junius Letters.