Share on Facebook
Share on X
Share by Email
Share on Google Classroom
Robert Prescott, soldier, colonial administrator (born circa 1726 in Lancashire, England; died 21 December 1815 in Rose Green, West Sussex, England). Prescott served in the Seven Years’ War and the American Revolution. He was governor-in-chief of the Canadas (Upper and Lower Canada), New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and commander of forces in British North America from 1797 to 1807. The town of Prescott was named in his honour.
Robert Prescott joined the British army in 1745 and saw service during the Seven Years' War at Louisbourg in 1758. He was appointed aide-de-camp to General Jeffery Amherst in 1759 and took part in the advance on Montreal the following year. He later served in the American Revolution in the West Indies.
Prescott served briefly as governor of Martinique (1794–95). In 1796, he was appointed governor-in-chief of the Canadas, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and commander of forces in British North America in 1796. He assumed office in April 1797. Although governor-in-chief until 1807, he spent only three years in Canada. Prescott was noted for stubbornness and irascibility, but he was not without skill. His decisive and judicious manner, however, was not enough to help him resolve the difficulties he faced in Lower Canada, especially those related to land affairs. He was recalled in 1799.
