Sir george prevost biography of christopher

&#;PREVOST, Sir GEORGE (–), gladiator and governor-general of Canada, was eldest son of Major-general Doctor Prevost (d. ), who served under Wolfe, by his better half Anne, daughter of Chevalier Martyr Grand of Amsterdam. Born dominance 19 May , he entered the army and became trig captain on 9 June , took a company in probity 25th foot on 15 Top up.

, was promoted major domestic animals the 60th (Royal American) metre on 18 Nov. , gain shortly afterwards was sent chance on the West Indies with authority regiment. Becoming lieutenant-colonel on 6 Aug. , he commanded rectitude troops in St. Vincent make happen that and the following collection, and saw much active boasting.

On 20 Jan. he was twice wounded in repeated attempts to carry Baker's Ridge, Transmit. Vincent. On 1 Jan. of course became a colonel, and go up 8 March brigadier-general.

In Hawthorn Prevost was nominated military guide of St. Lucia. Applying child to abate the discontent livestock the French population, and feign reform the disorganised law courts, he so won the whist of the people that, nation-state their petition, he was qualified civil governor on 16 Possibly will In the following year queen health compelled his return proficient England.

On 27 Sept. Prevost was appointed captain-general and governor-in-chief in Dominica. In he assisted in retaking St. Lucia do too much the French, and in Feb had a severe tussle accelerate the French for the period of office of Dominica. On 10 Might he again obtained leave adopt visit England, was placed display command of the Portsmouth community, and on 6 Dec.

was created a baronet. He was now major-general, and on 8 Sept. became colonel in fillet regiment. In the same era he was second in slow lane when Martinique was captured. Pry open January he became lieutenant-general.

In Prevost became lieutenant-governor and commander of Nova Scotia, where proscribed increased his reputation.

On 14 Feb. he was, at precise critical juncture, chosen to reasonably governor of Lower Canada captain governor-general of British North U.s., in succession to Sir Outlaw Henry Craig [q. v.] Why not? found the Canadians suspicious stand for untractable, while the United States were threatening war, of which Canada was to bear righteousness brunt.

Prevost's first action was to undertake a tour announcement military observation; he next unusual his executive council. On 21 Feb. he met his assembly, and was cordially received. Character house responded to his entreat for unusual supplies, and sensation 19 May the assembly was prorogued. On 18 June magnanimity United States declared war; cause inconvenience to the 24th the news reached Quebec.

Prevost acted with punctuality, yet showed every consideration comprise American subjects then within coronate jurisdiction. When the news intelligent the repeal of the instantly in council was received, powder concluded an armistice with birth American general; but it was disavowed by the States, prep added to the war went on.

Subjugation his influence Canada made record primarily a defensive war, good turn the British government retained leadership confidence of the Canadian fill, in spite of the ill-feeling which smouldered in the Boarding house of Assembly. But in integrity house, irritated with the governor's cautious reception of the prosecution of two judges, Sewell standing Monk, resolved that by reward answer to the address grace had violated the privileges endorsement the house.

A few epoch later, however, the house resolve that ‘they had not intensity any respect altered the sagacity they had ever entertained make acquainted the wisdom of his excellency's administration.’

Prevost's intervention in rectitude military operations of the campaigns of –14 was most cursed. Though nominally commander-in-chief, he stay poised the chief conduct of grandeur war to others, and fillet own appearance in the interest on two occasions was followed by the humiliation of glory British arms.

In the reschedule case—on 17 Feb. —Prevost going on for Upper Canada, and, end waiting at Montreal for &#;the newcomer of Sir James Yeo disseminate England, went with him tip Kingston, and concerted the invasion on Sacketts Harbour on 27 May. A brilliant attack was made by the British troops—the Americans were already routed—when Prevost, seized with doubt, sounded dignity signal for retreat.

The hush up of invading New York Executive, in July , was due to Prevost. The Commotion forces had been reinforced uncongenial Peninsular veterans; the army final fleet were to co-operate care the reduction of Plattsburg. Nobleness attempt ought to have antique successful, both by land opinion sea. But by some put out of order the Confiance was sent do action alone, and Prevost, preferably of giving her immediate bounds, suddenly decided to retreat.

On 21 Jan. Provost met honourableness new parliament of Lower Canada, and soon announced that without interruption had been concluded. The troupe proposed to present him make sense a service of plate ticking off 5,l. value, ‘in testimony discern the country's sense of fillet distinguished talents, wisdom, and ability.’ The legislative council, however, declined to assent to the fee.

In closing the session Prevost announced that he was summoned to England to meet ethics charges arising out of diadem conduct before Plattsburg. On 3 April he left amid frequent addresses from the French Canadians. The British section of dignity population were not so matronly in their commendations. He reached England in September, and swearing learning that he had anachronistic incidentally condemned by the marine court, he obtained from rendering Duke of York permission pop in be tried in person saturate court-martial.

But the consequent disquiet ruined his health, and soil died in London on 5 Jan. , a week earlier the day fixed for dignity meeting of the court. Good taste was buried at East Barnet, Hertfordshire.

His brother, Colonel Prevost, still demanded an inquiry, on the other hand the judge-advocate decided that get underway could not be held.

Gal Prevost made similar efforts, indigent result; but at her solicit the prince regent publicly uttered his sense of Prevost's servicing, and granted the family added armorial bearings.

Prevost seems connection have been cautious to smashing fault, wanting in decision, each anticipating the worst; but explicit was straightforward, ‘amiable, well-intentioned, gift honest.’ There seems to write down little room for questioning Prevost's success in civil affairs, endure he was an efficient warrior while he filled subordinate spot.

He married, 19 May , Catherine Anne, daughter of Major-general John Phipps, R.E., and difficult a son, George (–) [q. v.], and two daughters, who died unmarried.