Fonds consists of the accumulated copies of official correspondence received and sent by Robert Prescott during his administration of several colonies. The surviving entrybooks and registers (forming series 1) record his despatches to and from the Secretary of State and other imperial officials; correspondence with the British Minister at Washington, fellow governors and commanders in British North America, and senior officials within Lower Canada; plus letters sent on his behalf by his Civil Secretary and Military Secretary. The transcript of a further entrybook of the Military Secretary forms series 2. Several original documents and copies from other sources, relating to Prescott's career, form series 3 and 4.
Prescott, Robert, 1725-1816 : Robert Prescott (ca. 1726-1816), military officer, colonial governor, began his military career as an ensign in 1745 and attained the rank of captain by 1755. After serving on the Louisbourg campaign, he became aide-de-camp to Lord Amherst in 1759. Following service on the expedition to Martinique and Cuba in 1762, he was promoted lieutenant colonel. Returning to active service when the American Revolutionary War broke out, he was promoted brevet colonel in 1777. He served on the campaign against St. Lucia, taking command of British forces in the Leeward Islands from August 1779 to early 1780, and was promoted major general in 1781. After a period of retirement, he was promoted lieutenant general and sent to Barbadoes in 1793, from where he led the capture of Martinique and of Guadeloupe. In 1795 he took leave from his post as civil governor of Martinique. Initially appointed Lieutenant Governor of Lower Canada, he arrived in June 1796 and within the year was given a new commission as Governor-in-Chief in succession to Lord Dorchester. Among his concerns were the relations with Native Peoples following the surrender of the Western Posts pursuant to Jay's Treaty, the trial of David McLane for high treason, and reorganization of the land granting system in the province. Recalled to England in 1799, he retained the title of Governor until 1807.
