Sir Guy Carleton

Carleton, Sir Guy, Lord Dorchester, was born at Strabane, 3rd September 1724. Entering the Guards at an early age, he became in 1748 Lieutenant-Colonel of the 72nd Foot; served in the German campaign of 1757; under Amherstat the siege of Louisburg in 1757; as Quartermaster-General, under Wolfe at Quebec, in 1759; and was wounded at the siege of Belleisle. Made a Colonel in 1762, he served in the Havannah expedition, and was wounded at the assault on the Moro Castle. In 1766 he was Lieutenant-Governor, and in 1774 Governor of Quebec. In October of next year he attempted to retake Ticonderoga and Crown Point from the Americans, and narrowly escaped being made prisoner. Reaching Quebec, he exerted himself successfully in putting it in a state of defence, and, 31st December 1775, repulsed the assault of the Americans, who lost their leader, his countryman, General Montgomery. Receiving reinforcements, he drove the Americans from the province, and on 13th October 1776, in a naval battle on Lake Champlain, he totally defeated the flotilla under Arnold. In 1778 he was made a Lieutenant-General, and in 1781 succeeded Sir Henry Clinton as Commander-in-chief in America, where he had the credit of doing all in his power to soften the acerbities of war. He returned to Great Britain in 1783, was created Baron Dorchester in 1786, and for the next ten years was Governor of British North America. His administration was marked by mildness and justice. The latter part of his life was spent in England, where he died, 10th November 1808, aged 84.

Sources

37a. Biographical Dictionary—American Biography: Francis S. Drake. Boston, 1876.