Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History
Benson Lossing, Ed.

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Acland, John Dyke, 1750-

Military officer;

Maj. John Dyke Acland.

was with Burgoyne in his invasion of northern New York in 1777, and at the [15]

Christina Harriet Acland.

same time he was a member of Parliament. In the battle of Saratoga (Oct. 7, 1777) he was severely wounded — shot through the legs — and made a prisoner. Taken to the American headquarters on Bemis's Heights, his devoted wife, Lady Harriet, was permitted to pass through the lines and attend him. She was kindly received and treated by the American officers, and their bearing towards their wounded prisoners excited the major's gratitude and warm esteem. After his return to England he was provoked to give the lie direct to Lieutenant Lloyd, at a dinner-party, because the latter cast aspersions upon the Americans. A duel ensued on Bampton Downs. The major was unhurt, but a severe cold, which he contracted at the time of the duel, culminated in a fever which caused his death at his seat at Pixton, Somersetshire, Oct. 31, 1778. His wife, Christina Harriet Caroline Fox, better known as Lady Harriet, was a daughter of the first Earl of Ilchester; was born in 1750; married John Dyke Acland in 1770; and died near Taunton, England, July 21, 1815.