 Born into an aristocratic family with a history of public service , Cornwallis was politically opposed to the war , but agreed to serve when it became clear that Britain would require a significant military presence in the Thirteen Colonies . First arriving in May 1776 , he participated in the Battle of Sullivan 's Island , before joining the main army under General William Howe . He played a notable role in the partially successful New York and New Jersey campaign when George Washington successfully eluded him after the Battle of the Assunpink Creek and inflicted a decisive defeat on troops left at his rear in the Battle of Princeton . 
