Family and Education

b. c.1715. m. Susan, da. of James Gambler of Holborn, s.p. cr. Bt. 1 Feb. 1766.

Offices Held

Lt. R.N. 1739; capt. 1742; r.-adm. 1759; v.-adm. 1762.

Biography

Cornish is said to have been born of humble parentage, and to have entered the navy as an able seaman. He commanded a squadron in the East Indies 1759-62, and was naval c.-in-c. at the capture of the Philippine Islands. He returned to England a rich man, and in 1765 bought Sharnbrook.

In 1765 Cornish was recommended by his brother officers, Sir Charles Saunders and Augustus Keppel, to Newcastle for a seat at New Shoreham; which cost him 1000 guineas. In Parliament he was closely connected with Saunders and Keppel, and was always counted as of the Rockingham group. He gave evidence during the East Indian inquiry of 1767, but there is no record of his having spoken in the House. He died 30 Oct. 1770.

Ref Volumes: 1754-1790

Author: John Brooke

Notes