Banastre Tarleton
Soldier and pro-slavery politician
Tarleton's father was a Liverpool merchant with significant interests in the sugar and slave trades. In 1775 after gambling away most of his inheritance, Tarleton joined the army, volunteering for service in the American War of Independence. He gained a reputation for military skill, bravery and ruthlessness and returned to England in 1782 as a hero. He was painted by Reynolds and Gainsborough and became a society figure. For many years he lived with the actress Mary 'Perdita' Robinson, former mistress of his friend the prince of Wales. Tarleton remained in the army, reaching the rank of general in 1812.
Tarleton also became involved in politics and was elected MP for Liverpool in 1790. Liverpool was the leading British slave trading port and the Tarleton family's shipping company was one of the top four slave trading firms. Perdita Robinson helped in his election campaign and later wrote his parliamentary speeches, many of which attacked and mocked the abolitionists.
The couple used their celebrity to help publicise their cause. Another of Tarleton's friends was the duke of Clarence, George III's third son, who also joined the pro-slavery campaign. With his personal charisma, family connections and high-profile friends, it was natural that Tarleton became one of the leading spokesmen for the pro-slavery lobby.
