Landowner loyalist commander colonist
Beverley Robinson was born 11 January 1722, originated from a family active in the life of the colony, the sixth son of Catherine (Beverley) and John Robinson who was president of the Council and, at the time of his death in 1749, acting governor.
In 1746 Beverley Robinson raised a company for the expedition intended against Canada and was ordered with it to New York.
He was married to Susanna Philipse, heiress to part of the vast estates on the Hudson, Robinson increased his wife's fortune by trading ventures and capable management of the estate, until he was one of New York's wealthiest landowners.
During the French and Indian War, he was one of the commissaries and paymasters of the New York troops and after its conclusion served the colony in various capacities.
Retirement on his estate in Dutchess County was interrupted by the Revolution. Although he objected to some of the measures of the British ministry, he tried "from the very earliest period of the Rebellion to stop its progress" (Robinson memorial, December 11, 1783). He refused to take the oath of allegiance to the state on February 20, 1777, and was obliged to fly to the British in New York City. Offering his services to the army, he raised the Loyal American Regiment, of which he was made colonel, and was later also colonel and director of the loyal Guides and Pioneers.
His chief services, however, were not in the field. He was constantly employed on various boards and committees.
His inclination, though, was toward the secret service, for which his knowledge of the country, his wide acquaintance, and a certain shrewdness in his nature admirably fitted him.
He was eager to have Vermont join the British and sent the first invitation to Ethan Allen.
He also sounded out General Putnam.
There is no sound basis for the supposition that it was he who urged Benedict Arnold to change colors. He knew of the treasonable correspondence, though, and offered himself to Sir Henry Clinton for the role afterwards played by Major André. He was conspicuous, too, in the attempts to arrange a meeting between the conspirators. He accompanied André up the Hudson to his fateful interview with Arnold and, when André was captured, wrote Washington, who had been his friend before the Revolution, urging the prisoner's release (Sparks, post, pp. 533-34).
With his wife and eldest son he was banished by New York state in October 1779, and their property was confiscated.
He was recommended to the British government by every officer he had served under, especially by Sir Henry Clinton who wrote, "It is impossible to speak too highly of him" (Robinson's memorial and "Evidence, " post), and Parliament voted him a partial compensation for his losses. He died in England, where he lived after the Revolution, and his body was buried in St. James' Church at Bath. His wife and seven children survived him, and all of his five sons, four of whom served the British during the Revolution, achieved in later life a measure of distinction.
Quotations: At the conclusion of the war, however, when, in reduced circumstances, Robinson was faced with the necessity of leaving his native land, he could still write: "[If I] was it to do over again I should take the same part" (Robinson to Clinton, Aug. 8, 1782).
Quotes from others about the person
According to Sir Henry Clinton, Robinson "distinguished himself upon several occasions, particularly at the storming of fort Montgomery, " Oct. 6, 1777 (Robinson's memorial and "Evidence, " Dec. 16, 1785, post)
Robinson had the good fortune to marry on July 7, 1748, the daughter of Frederick Philipse, Susanna, sister of Mary the wife of Roger Morris. Susanna was heiress to part of the vast estates on the Hudson. His wife and seven children survived him, and all of his five sons, four of whom served the British during the Revolution, achieved in later life a measure of distinction.
