Charles Lawrence (British Army officer)

Brigadier-General Charles Lawrence (December 14, 1709 – October 19, 1760) was a British military officer who, as lieutenant governor and subsequently governor of Nova Scotia. He is perhaps best known for overseeing the Expulsion of the Acadians and settling the New England Planters in Nova Scotia. He was born in Plymouth, England and died in Halifax, Nova Scotia. According historian Elizabeth Griffith, Lawrence was a "competent", "efficient" officer with a "service record that had earned him fairly rapid promotion, a person of considerable administrative talent who was trusted by both Cornwallis and Hopson." He is the namesake of Fort Lawrence, Nova Scotia and Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia.

Early career

Lawrence followed his father into a military career. His father was General Charles John Lawrence and is said to have served in Flanders under John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough.

Charles Lawrence's earlier life is obscure. He was commissioned in the 11th Regiment of Foot and served in the West Indies from 1733 until 1737. He then served in the War Office. He was made lieutenant in 1731 and then captain in 1745. He was wounded while serving with the 54th Foot in the battle of Fontenoy in 1745.

King George's War

During King George's War, he transferred to the 45th Foot and as a Major went with it to Nova Scotia, arriving at Louisbourg, Île Royale (Cape...
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