Sir Guy Carleton

(When)

His Greatest Hour

Later Life....

From 1782-1783, Carleton was the Commander in Chief of all BNA forces. In this period of time he carried out the Crowns promise of freedom to slaves who joined the British. He also was in charge of getting the British Loyalists, all British forces and over 3000 freedmen out of New York and to a British colony. He refused to evacuate until all the loyalist refugees had been sent to safety.

He later was commissioned once more as the Governor at Quebec again in 1791, but did not arrive to Lower Canada until 1793. He then made a very rude speech to natives and ordered the reoccupation of Fort Miamis (Maumee, Ohio). Given a gentle rebuke, he later asked to resign on 4 September 1794. It was granted July 1795. He left the province 9 July 1796.

Why is he significant?

(Why)

I believe Sir Guy Carleton was an important historical figure in Canada's history because of his leadership and actions as a military and political leader.

On 1775 and 1776 Sir Guy Carleton, he successfully defended Quebec and drove them out of the country, he was in office 2 terms as the Governor of Quebec (from 1768-17780 while serving as the governor general of BNA and again from 1785-1795). He also supported the Quebec Act and made it so that it supported Roman Catholic Church and retained French civil law. He also was the Quartermaster General in The Siege of Louisbourg, only after his good friend James Wolfe threatened to not lead the siege if he specifically the quartermaster general. He proved to be a loyal, trustworthy leader that made many contributions to Canada's history.

Defender of Quebec

Sir Guy Carleton

or

Sir Baron Dorchester

Governor Carleton

He lead the defense of Quebec in 1775 during the Rebel Invasion and in 1776, drove the Rebels from the province.

He was a colonel at the Capture of Quebec (1759) and was made Lieutenant Governor (1766). At this time he was also the Governor General of BNA and the Governor General of Quebec. He later resigned after quarrels with his councilors, especially Chief Justice Peter Livius, leaving July 1778.

How did his actions affect the future of Canada?

• the Quebec Act (equality between the English & french). As he did advise the passing of it.
• victory against rebels when they attacked in 1775
• safety of many loyalists when he was overseeing their escape to other British Colony
• the victory on the plains of Abraham (Wolf refused to go without him)
• fought loyally for the English (took over places which nowadays do follow English customs and these places provided the British resources) but maintained an understanding with the French, which would've helped the uniting of the two nations

Captain of Militia, signed by Sir Guy Carleton, Montreal Quebec 1775

(Primary Resource)

What Other Historic Canadians is He similar to?

Much like Samuel de Champlain, he built strong relationships with other races that lived in Quebec at the time (in his case, the French). He also defended the rights of Canadiens (like Sir William Mackenzie), and supported the passing of the Quebec Act. He was a great leader and officer, much like his friend James Wolfe, and also lead many great attacks and carried out famous missions like any other historic icon.

Relationship with the French:

Sir Guy Carleton had built a strong relationship with the French and in 1774 advised The Quebec Act. He also made it so that is would support the Roman Catholic Church and retain French Civil Law.

As time went on...

In 1761, as the Lieutenant Colonel, he participated in the capture of the Belle Île (an island that was a part of the Bay of Biscay). Although he led the attack on the French, he was seriously wounded, so he could not continue fighting. After 4 weeks, the British had complete control. A year later he was made Colonel and took a part of the British expedition against Cuba. In 1764 he transferred to the 93rd Regiment of Foot.

Siege of Louisbourg (1758)

Thank you for your time!

Siege of Louisbourg

(1758)

General Wolfe and Carleton were friends and so when he was leading the Siege of Louisbourg, Wolfe refused to lead the attack unless Carleton was his Quartermaster General.

Carleton was badly wounded on the Plains of Abraham and returned to England in October 1759.

Failures & Accomplishments

Work Cited

1757: Carleton was made lieutenant colonel and served with the Army of Observation. The Army of Observation's purpose was to protect Hanover from the French. But the army was forced to retreat.

1758: He was made the Lieutenant Colonel of the (newly formed) 72nd Regiment of Foot and was asked to accompany James Wolfe on his attack of Louisbourg.

Early Life:

On 21 May 1742 the 17-year-old Carleton was commissioned an ensign in the 25th Foot (Rothes’s), became lieutenant 3 years later (1745)

22 July 1751: he joined the 1st Foot Guards as a lieutenant

(Who)

Who Was He?

1747, Bergen-op-Zoom: Where he first saw action, his son later died in battle

(Map)

"Biography – CARLETON, GUY, 1st Baron DORCHESTER – Volume V (1801-1820) – Dictionary of Canadian Biography." Biography – CARLETON, GUY, 1st Baron DORCHESTER – Volume V (1801-1820) – Dictionary of Canadian Biography. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2015.

"Captain of Militia Commission Letter Document Signed by Sir Guy Carleton 1775 Montreal, Quebec by Sir Guy 1st Baron DORCHESTER CARLETON on Lord Durham Rare Books." Lord Durham Rare Books. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2015.

"Captain of Militia Commission Letter Document Signed by Sir Guy Carleton 1775 Montreal, Quebec by Sir Guy 1st Baron DORCHESTER CARLETON on Lord Durham Rare Books." Lord Durham Rare Books. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2015.

"Carleton." Carleton. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2015.

"Discover Canada." Government of Canada, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Communications Branch. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2015.

"Guy Carleton, 1st Baron Dorchester." The Canadian Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2015.

"Guy Carleton, 1st Baron Dorchester." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2015.

"James Wolfe." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2015.

What Did He Accomplish/Do?

• An Anglo-Irish officer & administrator
• Army officer, was present at many important battles in Canada's history (Siege of Louisbourg, Capture of Quebec ect...)
• Twice served as Governor at Québec 1768-78 and 1785-95
• Governor General of BNA
• British commander in chief at New York, 1782-83

(What)

He twice served as Governor of the Province of Quebec, from 1768 to 1778, concurrently serving as Governor General of British North America in that time, and again from 1785 to 1795.

He defended BNA and supported the French keeping their culture, and was in charge of the escape and safety of the loyalists in New York.

1724-1808