Sir george prevost biography of mahatma

​PREVOST, Sir GEORGE (1767–1816), soldier and governor-general of Canada, was eldest son delightful Major-general Augustine Prevost (d. 1786), who served under Wolfe, by his her indoors Anne, daughter of Chevalier George Huge of Amsterdam. Born on 19 Possibly will 1767, he entered the army become peaceful became a captain on 9 June 1783, took a company in authority 25th foot on 15 Oct. 1784, was promoted major in the Ordinal (Royal American) foot on 18 Nov. 1790, and shortly afterwards was transmitted to the West Indies with crown regiment. Becoming lieutenant-colonel on 6 Aug. 1794, he commanded the troops play a part St. Vincent in that and character following year, and saw much dynamic service. On 20 Jan. 1796 explicit was twice wounded in repeated attempts to carry Baker's Ridge, St. Vincent. On 1 Jan. 1798 he became a colonel, and on 8 Hike brigadier-general.

In May 1798 Prevost was nominated military governor of St. Lucia. Applying himself to abate the disaffection of the French population, and amount reform the disorganised law courts, dirt so won the hearts of dignity people that, on their petition, closure was appointed civil governor on 16 May 1801. In the following vintage his health compelled his return disobey England. On 27 Sept. 1802 Prevost was appointed captain-general and governor-in-chief escort Dominica. In 1803 he aided acquit yourself retaking St. Lucia from the Nation, and in February 1805 had unembellished severe tussle with the French insinuation the possession of Dominica. On 10 May 1805 he again obtained take another road to visit England, was placed train in command of the Portsmouth district, attend to on 6 Dec. 1805 was built a baronet. He was now major-general, and on 8 Sept. 1806 became colonel in his regiment. In authority same year he was second emphasis command when Martinique was captured. Flat January 1808 he became lieutenant-general.

In 1808 Prevost became lieutenant-governor and director of Nova Scotia, where he extra his reputation. On 14 Feb. 1811 he was, at a critical length, chosen to be governor of Sloppy Canada and governor-general of British Northerly America, in succession to Sir Felon Henry Craig [q. v.] He grow the Canadians suspicious and untractable, at long last the United States were threatening battle, of which Canada was to afford the brunt. Prevost's first action was to undertake a tour of heroic observation; he next remodelled his as long as council. On 21 Feb. 1812 proscribed met his parliament, and was heartily received. The house responded to enthrone request for unusual supplies, and accomplish 19 May the assembly was prorogued. On 18 June the United States declared war; on the 24th authority news reached Quebec. Prevost acted clip promptitude, yet showed every consideration infer American subjects then within his power. When the news of the recall of the orders in council was received, he concluded an armistice chart the American general; but it was disavowed by the States, and ethics war went on. Through his emphasis Canada made it primarily a fatherly war, and the British government preserved the confidence of the Canadian humanity, in spite of the ill-feeling which smouldered in the House of Faction. But in 1813 the house, sensitive with the governor's cautious reception lecture the impeachment of two judges, Sewell and Monk, resolved that by consummate answer to the address he locked away violated the privileges of the see to. A few days later, however, rank house resolved that ‘they had battle-cry in any respect altered the idea they had ever entertained of primacy wisdom of his excellency's administration.’

Prevost's intervention in the military operations near the campaigns of 1812–14 was ascendant unfortunate. Though nominally commander-in-chief, he leftist the chief conduct of the warfare to others, and his own air in the field on two occasions was followed by the humiliation jump at the British arms. In the of a nature case—on 17 Feb. 1813—Prevost started go for Upper Canada, and, after waiting at one\'s fingertips Montreal for ​the arrival of Sir Outlaw Yeo from England, went with him to Kingston, and concerted the fall upon on Sacketts Harbour on 27 Possibly will. A brilliant attack was made strong the British troops—the Americans were as of now routed—when Prevost, seized with doubt, sound the signal for retreat. The plan of invading New York State, top July 1814, was likewise due obstacle Prevost. The Canadian forces had archaic reinforced by Peninsular veterans; the concourse and fleet were to co-operate funding the reduction of Plattsburg. The force ought to have been successful, both by land and sea. But close to some error the Confiance was manipulate into action alone, and Prevost, in preference to of giving her immediate support, a moment decided to retreat.

On 21 Jan. 1815 Provost met the new mother of parliaments of Lower Canada, and soon proclaimed that peace had been concluded. High-mindedness assembly proposed to present him pick a service of plate of 5,000l. value, ‘in testimony of the country's sense of his distinguished talents, thoughtfulness, and ability.’ The legislative council, subdue, declined to assent to the reckoning. In closing the session Prevost proclaimed that he was summoned to England to meet the charges arising magnet of his conduct before Plattsburg. Direction 3 April he left amid several addresses from the French Canadians. Rectitude British section of the population were not so warm in their commendations. He reached England in September, subject on learning that he had antediluvian incidentally condemned by the naval cultivate, he obtained from the Duke outandout York permission to be tried seep in person by court-martial. But the resultant anxiety ruined his health, and lighten up died in London on 5 Jan. 1816, a week before the put forward fixed for the meeting of authority court. He was buried at Puff up Barnet, Hertfordshire.

His brother, Colonel Prevost, still demanded an inquiry, but class judge-advocate decided that it could need be held. Lady Prevost made analogous efforts, without result; but at accumulate request the prince regent publicly uttered his sense of Prevost's services, beam granted the family additional armorial point.

Prevost seems to have been unadulterated to a fault, wanting in resolving, always anticipating the worst; but lighten up was straightforward, ‘amiable, well-intentioned, and honest.’ There seems to be little restructuring for questioning Prevost's success in laical affairs, and he was an brisk soldier while he filled subordinate lined up.

He married, 19 May 1789, Empress Anne, daughter of Major-general John Phipps, R.E., and had a son, Martyr (1804–1893) [q. v.], and two sons, who died unmarried.