CHRISTIAN HENRIETTA

See also:

• CAROLINE
• CAROLINE (1683-1737)

CAROLINE

See also:

• CHRISTIAN HENRIETTA CAROLINE ACLAND (1750-1815)
• ACLAND, SIR HENRY WENTWORTH, BART

ACLAND (1750-1815)  , usually called Lady Harriet Acland, was born on the 3rd of January 1750, the daughter of the first earl of Ilchester . In 1770 she married John Dyke Acland, who as a member of parliament became a vigorous supporter of Lord North's policy towards the American colonies, and, entering the British army in 1774, served with Burgoyne's expedition as major in the 20th regiment of foot . Lady Harriet accompanied her husband, and, when he was wounded at Ticonderoga, nursed him in his tent at the front . In the second battle of Saratoga Major Acland was again badly wounded and subsequently taken prisoner . Lady Harriet was determined to be with him, and underwent great hardship to accomplish her object, proving herself a courageous and devoted wife . A story has been told that being provided with a letter from General Burgoyne to the American general Gates, she went up the Hudson river in an open boat to the enemy's lines, arjiving late in the evening . The American out-posts threatened to fire into the boat if its occupants stirred, and Lady Harriet had to wait eight " dark and cold hours," until the sun rose, when she at last received permission to join her husband . Major Acland died in 1778, and Lady Harriet on the 21st of July 1815 .