George Charles

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

George Charles
Governor of Newfoundland
In office August 27, 1856 – March 9, 1857
Appointed by	Queen Victoria
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 (USA) Major General (NA)
Unit	Montreal Light Infantry 1st Quebec Volunteer Dragoons 2nd Canadian Cuirassiers 5th Canadian Dragoons
Commands	5th Canadian Dragoons 2nd Canadian Cavalry Brigade Fort Point Newfoundland Army
Battles/wars	Canadian War Reclaimation War Quebec Campaign First Battle of Montreal Battle of the Citadel Battle of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Siege of Fort Chambly Razing of Montreal New Brunswick Campaign Battle of Halifax War of 1812 Newfoundland Campaign Fidèle Uprising St. John Skirmish Battle of Whitbourne 1833 Newfoundland Uprising Battle of St. John

Early life

Georges Mont Charles was born on July 21, 1788 to Jean-Baptiste Charles, a middle class merchant, and Renée Charles a seamstress.

When he was 12, at his father's behest, he enlisted as a buglar in the Montreal Light Infantry. During his time in the ILM, he would get a girlfriend whom he described as the "light and love of [his] life."

Military career

Early years (1804 – 1806)

In 1804, when Canada and the United States went to war, he ran across the border and became a founding member of the 1st Quebec Volunteer Dragoons, they made him an ensign and the colour bearer. He would serve in the Quebec Campaign, earning distinction for his actions during the opening Battle of Montreal.

Commanding General (1832 – 1839)

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 5,000 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.