George Morrison (1704?-1799), who was appointed equerry to Edward, Duke of York in 1764 and attended him on his journey to France in 1767 had had a long and distinguished military career.

He had become a gunner in the artillery in 1722 and later served with distinction in the '45 and in Flanders. In 1748-50, he undertook surveys in the Highlands in connection with the programme of road construction planned by Marshal Wade. The Duke of Cumberland brought him to the attention of the Prince of Wales, from whom he received an appointment shortly before the latter's death in 1751. During the Seven Years War, Morrison, who had been appointed captain and engineer-in-ordinary in 1758 took part in three destructive expeditions against fortifications on the French coast. In 1761 he was promoted lieutenant-colonel and in 1763 quartermaster-general to the forces.

After the Duke of York's death in 1767, Morrison returned to military duties, becoming a major-general in 1777 and a lieutenant-general in 1782. He was in succession colonel of the 75th Regiment (1775), the 17th Regiment (1782) and the 4th King's Own Regiment of Foot (1792)