George Charles

George Charles
1st Commanding General of the Newfoundland Armies
In office 8 July 1832 – 15 January 1839
Appointed by	Alexander Dickson
Personal details
Born	(1788-07-21)July 21, 1788
Military service
Branch/service	Cavalry
Years of service	1800 – 1804 (Canadian Militia) 1804 – 1812 (USV) 1812 – 1822 (USA) 1822 – 1839 (NFA)
Rank	Bvt. Brigadier General (USV) Major General (NA)
Unit	Montreal Light Infantry 1st Quebec Volunteer Dragoons 7th Canadian Cuirassiers 5th Canadian Dragoons
Commands	5th Canadian Dragoons 2nd Canadian Cavalry Brigade Fort Point Newfoundland Army

Major General George Charles () was a Canadian-American military officer who was influential in recruiting Canadians to the American cause.

In July 1832, Charles would be appointed as the first Commanding General of the Newfoundland Armies and he quickly began to reshape the Newfoundland Army. He petitioned Congress to increase the army and navy's budget to provide for better defence against British and Canadian attacks. During his first year as Commanding General, he was able to increase the Regular Army to 7,500 men and increased the militia to 25,000 men. Over the course of his tenure he would increase the size of the regular army to 15,000 active troops (including 1,500 guards) and the Volunteers to 45,000. He would also increase the navy from 3 frigates to one 4th rate SOL, five 4th rate frigates, and a eight schooners.