John Herries, a native of Great Britain, began his lengthy military career in India, where he served as a cadet for the East India Company before joining the 52nd Regiment of Foot as an ensign in June 1792. While in India, he participated in the capture of Pondicherry and witnessed the surrender of Sri Lanka. In August 1799, Herries became captain of the 35th Regiment of Foot, with which he served in Holland, the Mediterranean, Egypt, and the Ionian Islands. He commanded the 35th regiment at Zakynthos ("Zante") for two years as major. During the War of 1812, he served as lieutenant colonel with the 102nd (later the 100th) Regiment of Foot, which he commanded during the capture of Moose Island in Passamaquoddy Bay. Herries later served as commander of the 96th Regiment of Foot in North America and Bermuda. He died on November 6, 1832.
From the guide to the John Herries collection, Herries, John collection, 1814-1815, [1851?], (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan)
