Prevost, Sir George [key], 1767–1816, British soldier and governor in chief of Canada (1811–15). He held several administrative posts in the West Indies before becoming (1808) lieutenant governor of Nova Scotia. In 1811 he became governor in Canada and was conspicuous for his conciliation of the French Canadians. As commander in chief of the British forces in Canada in the War of 1812, he suffered public humiliation for the retreat at Sackets Harbor (1813) and the defeat at Plattsburgh (1814). He was recalled to England but died before his court-martial started. He was created baronet in 1805.
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