14 Facts About Allan McLane

Allan McLane was an officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.

Allan McLane was appointed as the first United States Marshal of Delaware in 1789, and as Customs Collector of the Port of Wilmington in 1797.

Allan McLane's father, a Scottish-born merchant, had emigrated from the island of Coll to America in 1738.

Allan McLane served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

Allan McLane was one of the first American officers to suspect Benedict Arnold's loyalty.

Allan McLane joined Caesar Rodney's Delaware regiment as a lieutenant, and fought at the battles of Long Island, White Plains, Princeton, and Monmouth.

Allan McLane used most of the fortune he inherited after his father died to fund his own company, providing payment and equipment for the troops.

Allan McLane was Captain of an independent corps, now a small group of horsemen, now a hundred men, mounted and on foot, including sometimes a contingent of Oneida Indians, he was at once forager, scout, and raider everywhere about Philadelphia and even, at times, in that city in disguise.

Allan McLane returned north, and was breveted to the rank of major in 1781.

Allan McLane continued to serve through the Yorktown campaign, scouting the movement of British troops southward from New York City, and capturing British private naval signals.

Allan McLane served a member of the Privy Council, and as a Judge of the Delaware Court of Common Pleas.

Allan McLane retained his appointment under presidents of both political parties, into the administration of Andrew Jackson, and served until his death on May 22,1829, at the age of 83.

Allan McLane moved with his family to Wilmington after his appointment as Collector of Customs there in 1797.

Allan McLane was a member of the Society of the Cincinnati, and a long-time advocate of the Methodist Church.