Читать книгу The Lieutenant-Governors of Upper Canada and Ontario 1792-1899 онлайн

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In this same year Governor Simcoe visited the celebrated Indian Chief, Joseph Brant, at the Grand River, and had a conference with him in regard to Indian lands. The Governor was always foremost in his advocacy of Indian claims, and was the steadfast friend of the Indians during the whole of his administration of the Government of Upper Canada.

On the 1st December, 1796, Governor Simcoe was appointed Civil Governor of St. Domingo, and Commander-in-Chief in the room of Sir Adam Williamson.

St. Domingo was then divided into two parts, one of each being held by the British and French. On Simcoe's arrival there he found the island in a state of turmoil, and he was kept in a state of continual warfare with the celebrated Toussaint L'ouverture, the negro general, at one time leader of the black insurgents, but now appointed by the French Government General-in-Chief of the armies of St. Domingo.

In August, 1797, wearied of a conflict in which he had no support, he went to England to procure a sufficient force. But England had too much use for her soldiers on the continent, and none could be spared. Remaining in England, Simcoe was made a lieutenant-general in 1798, and had no service until August, 1806, when he was appointed a commissioner to the court at Lisbon, to command an army of protection against France, then threatening to invade Portugal. On the voyage out he was taken ill and compelled to return to England, where he died soon after his arrival.