Alexander Leslie, son of the fifth Earl of Leven, was born in Scotland. A career military man, he fought in a number of pivotal clashes during the Revolutionary War, including the Battle of Long Island, the Battle of Harlem Heights, and the Battle of Princeton. He also led the British right wing at Guilford Courthouse, the largest engagement in the war's southern theater. Leslie rose to the rank of major general before returning home, where he served as second in command of the British army in Scotland. Alexander Leslie died on 27 December 1794 at Beechwood, his seat near Edinburgh.