Background
Born on 28 January 1729 in Street Andrews, he was the only surviving son of Sir Alexander Sharp, 5th Baronet, (1697-1769) and his wife Margaret Hamilton (1697-1783).
captain governor lawyer Soldier colonel
Born on 28 January 1729 in Street Andrews, he was the only surviving son of Sir Alexander Sharp, 5th Baronet, (1697-1769) and his wife Margaret Hamilton (1697-1783).
While he was studying at the University of Street Andrews, the 1745 Rebellion broke out and he joined the rebel forces. Captured by the British Army, he was condemned to death. After five professors at the university wrote to the court on his behalf, he was reprieved and interned.
However he escaped in August 1747 and made his way to France, then fighting Great Britain in the War of the Austrian Succession.
Accepted in the French Army as an officer trainee, by 1761 he was a Captain. In that year he resigned his commission and, although an unpardoned rebel, returned to Britain.
The British at that time were putting together a group of experienced officers to strengthen the Portuguese forces fighting Spain in the Seven Years" War, and William managed to join them. Created a Major in the Portuguese Army in 1762, in 1763 he was made Colonel of the 1st Infantry Regiment, in 1764 he was Governor of the frontier town of Olivença, and in 1765 a Brigadier.
In 1769 he at last received a pardon from the British government, exonerating him from his rebellion at the age of 16, and also got news of his father"s death back in Scotland.
After his return to Portugal, Margaret produced a son, baptised privately on 20 August 1771 as Alexander Sharp. Number evidence for a marriage has ever been foundation The father gained promotion to Major-General in 1775 but a scandal erupted in 1777.
The parents of a girl eight months pregnant forced him to go through a Catholic marriage with her in Olivença, despite him being a Scottish Episcopalian.
She was Ana Francisca da Gama Lobo, daughter of another army officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Francisco Xavier da Silva Lobo. Given leave for ill health in 1779, he went to London where he died alone in a lodging house on 13 February 1780, leaving nothing but debts.
His Portuguese widow remarried. The three were painted by Wilkie.