(1746–1829) army officer, born in Philadelphia. During the Revolutionary War McLane, together with his Delaware company, gained fame for actions around British-occupied Philadelphia (1777–78), interrupting trade and engaging in a series of irritants against the enemy. His men were the first to enter Philadelphia when the British withdrew. McLane's later raids, though successful and significant, received scant attention because his company was then attached to Lee's Legion and was overshadowed by the exploits of Light-Horse Harry Lee. Early in the conflict McLane had fought with George Washington's army at the battles of New York and Princeton (1776–77).
From The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military in Oxford Reference.
Subjects: Warfare and Defence.