Sir Henry, was descended from an English family which had been long settled in Ireland, and was born at Mount Pottinger, in the county of Down, in 1789. His rise in life was slow but steady. Having gone out to India in 1804 as a cadet in the Bombay service, he recommended himself for promotion by his energy and sagacity in practical affairs. He was employed for more than seven years as judge and collector at Ahmednugger in the Deccan. The following fifteen years were passed in the post of political resident at Cutch and Scinde. At length in 1840 he returned to England, dignified with a baronetage, and possessing a high reputation. Sir Henry Pottinger soon proved himself worthy of the high consideration in which he was held. Despatched to China in 1841 as ambassador extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to adjust the differences relating to the opium trade, he set himself to this arduous task with vigour and address. On his arrival at the scene of war, he took the most decisive measures to drive the Chinese to an honourable and lasting peace. Nor after he had succeeded in 1842 in bringing the enemy to terms, did he lay down his commission until he had taken strong precautions to prevent future abuses.

The eminent services of Sir Henry Pottinger were rewarded with a series of honours and appointments, which continued over the rest of his life. In 1843 he was promoted to the office of governor and commander-in-chief of the island of Hong Kong. On his return to England in the following year the office of a privy councillor and a pension of L.1500 were conferred upon him. He then held the governorship of the Cape of Good Hope from 1846 to 1847. His last appointment was that of governor and commander-in-chief of Madras, an office which he held till 1854. The death of Pottinger took place at Malta in March 1856.