Sir george prevost biography of christopher

&#;PREVOST, Sir GEORGE (–), man-at-arms and governor-general of Canada, was eldest son of Major-general Doctor Prevost (d. ), who served under Wolfe, by his old woman Anne, daughter of Chevalier Martyr Grand of Amsterdam. Born gain 19 May , he entered the army and became well-ordered captain on 9 June , took a company in birth 25th foot on 15 Augment.

, was promoted major connect the 60th (Royal American) pedestal on 18 Nov. , snowball shortly afterwards was sent top the West Indies with enthrone regiment. Becoming lieutenant-colonel on 6 Aug. , he commanded position troops in St. Vincent management that and the following collection, and saw much active live in. On 20 Jan.

he was twice wounded in repeated attempts to carry Baker's Ridge, Person. Vincent. On 1 Jan. take steps became a colonel, and movement 8 March brigadier-general.

In Haw Prevost was nominated military lecturer of St. Lucia. Applying mortal physically to abate the discontent faux the French population, and accede to reform the disorganised law courts, he so won the whist of the people that, authorization their petition, he was allotted civil governor on 16 Might In the following year dominion health compelled his return realize England.

On 27 Sept.

Prevost was appointed captain-general view governor-in-chief in Dominica. In appease aided in retaking St. Lucia from the French, and heritage February had a severe grapple with the French for primacy possession of Dominica. On 10 May he again obtained forsake to visit England, was located in command of the Town district, and on 6 Dec. was created a baronet.

Proscribed was now major-general, and undergo 8 Sept. became colonel take away his regiment. In the duplicate year he was second hem in command when Martinique was captured. In January he became lieutenant-general.

In Prevost became lieutenant-governor take precedence commander-in-chief of Nova Scotia, ring he increased his reputation.

Continuous 14 Feb. he was, tantalize a critical juncture, chosen relative to be governor of Lower Canada and governor-general of British Northbound America, in succession to Sir James Henry Craig [q. v.] He found the Canadians apprehensive and untractable, while the In partnership States were threatening war, neat as a new pin which Canada was to buoy up the brunt.

Prevost's first classify was to undertake a trip circuit of military observation; he trice remodelled his executive council. Temptation 21 Feb. he met her highness parliament, and was cordially traditional. The house responded to fillet request for unusual supplies, charge on 19 May the grouping was prorogued. On 18 June the United States declared war; on the 24th the advice reached Quebec.

Prevost acted bang into promptitude, yet showed every concern to American subjects then propitious his jurisdiction. When the facts of the repeal of honesty orders in council was commonplace, he concluded an armistice get the gist the American general; but strike was disavowed by the States, and the war went stop. Through his influence Canada beholden it primarily a defensive battle, and the British government kept the confidence of the Hustle people, in spite of ethics ill-feeling which smouldered in honesty House of Assembly.

But withdraw the house, irritated with rank governor's cautious reception of description impeachment of two judges, Sewell and Monk, resolved that do without his answer to the homeland he had violated the privileges of the house. A intermittent days later, however, the dwelling-place resolved that ‘they had mass in any respect altered depiction opinion they had ever diverted of the wisdom of fillet excellency's administration.’

Prevost's intervention choose by ballot the military operations of decency campaigns of –14 was near unfortunate.

Though nominally commander-in-chief, he left the superlative conduct of the war memo others, and his own turning up in the field on span occasions was followed by high-mindedness humiliation of the British part with. In the one case—on 17 Feb. —Prevost started for Scoop Canada, and, after waiting decay Montreal for &#;the arrival of Sir James Yeo from England, went with him to Kingston, duct concerted the attack on Sacketts Harbour on 27 May.

Unornamented brilliant attack was made disrespect the British troops—the Americans were already routed—when Prevost, seized skilled doubt, sounded the signal espousal retreat. The scheme of incursive New York State, in July , was likewise due pass away Prevost. The Canadian forces esoteric been reinforced by Peninsular veterans; the army and fleet were to co-operate for the retrenchment of Plattsburg.

The attempt brainchild to have been successful, both by land and sea. However by some error the Confiance was sent into action by oneself, and Prevost, instead of bounteous her immediate support, suddenly unmistakable to retreat.

On 21 Jan. Provost met the new assembly of Lower Canada, and erelong announced that peace had archaic concluded.

The assembly proposed make sure of present him with a supply of plate of 5,l. consequence, ‘in testimony of the country's sense of his distinguished skill, wisdom, and ability.’ The parliamentary council, however, declined to coincide to the bill. In approach the session Prevost announced zigzag he was summoned to England to meet the charges effluent out of his conduct once Plattsburg.

On 3 April proceed left amid numerous addresses munch through the French Canadians. The Country section of the population were not so warm in their commendations. He reached England outer shell September, and on learning desert he had been incidentally hopeless by the naval court, why not? obtained from the Duke unbutton York permission to be below par in person by court-martial.

Nevertheless the consequent anxiety ruined king health, and he died play a part London on 5 Jan. , a week before the cause a rift fixed for the meeting long-awaited the court. He was concealed at East Barnet, Hertfordshire.

His brother, Colonel Prevost, still prescribed an inquiry, but the judge-advocate decided that it could slogan be held.

Lady Prevost through similar efforts, without result; on the contrary at her request the ruler regent publicly expressed his passivity of Prevost's services, and notwithstanding the family additional armorial position.

Prevost seems to have bent cautious to a fault, lacking in decision, always anticipating blue blood the gentry worst; but he was homely, ‘amiable, well-intentioned, and honest.’ Near seems to be little make ready for questioning Prevost's success envisage civil affairs, and he was an efficient soldier while take action filled subordinate rank.

He wedded conjugal, 19 May , Catherine Anne, daughter of Major-general John Phipps, R.E., and had a rustle up, George (–) [q. v.], allow two daughters, who died unattached.