Presbyterian Church in Canada. Had its beginnings early in the eighteenth century in Nova Scotia. In 1776 the Presbytery of Truro, Nova Scotia, was organized; that of Montreal in 1793; and in 1818 the Presbytery of the Canadas was formed in Montreal. In 1831 the united Presbytery became the Synod of Upper Canada; and in 1840 joined the Church of Scotland Synod. In 1844, on the disruption of the Church of Scotland, the (Free) Presbyterian Synod of Canada was organized. Training colleges were established at Toronto, Halifax, Montreal, and other centres. In 1861 the Free and United Presbyterian synods united as the Synod of Canada Presbyterian Church; and in 1875 all Presbyterian bodies became one in the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Index: E Secures a share of Clergy Reserves, 153. B George Brown's attitude to, 2; the British Chronicle and "disruption," 4; the Banner largely devoted to the interests of, 5, 6. R Claims equality with Anglicans, 39; statistics in Upper Canada, 51. W Represented by one in New Brunswick Assembly, 69. Bib.: Torrance, Origin of the Canadian Presbyterian Church in Canada: An Ency., vol. 4; Gregg, History of the Presbyterian Church in Canada.
Prescott, Richard (1725-1788). Born in England. Entered the army, and promoted major, 1756; lieutenant-colonel, 1762, and served in Europe during the Seven Years' War. In 1773 sent as colonel of the 7th Foot to Canada, and during the next two years rendered good service. In 1775, during the investment of Montreal by the Americans, surrounded while on the way to Quebec with troops and stores, and captured. In September, 1776, exchanged; and in December, third in command of the British army, until again made prisoner, July 10, 1777. Released, and the same year became major-general, and in 1782 lieutenant-general. Index: Dr Placed in charge of Montreal, 89; leaves Montreal with Carleton, 112; captured by Americans, 113. Bib.: Cyc. Am. Biog.
Prescott, Sir Robert (1725-1816). Born in Lancashire, England. Educated for the army. Promoted captain of the 15th Foot, 1755; served in the expeditions against Rochefort, 1757, and Louisbourg, 1758. Aide-de-camp to Amherst, 1759; afterwards served under Wolfe in Canada. Promoted major, 1761; lieutenant-colonel, 1762. During the American Revolution, 1775, took part in the battle of Long Island, and at the attack on Fort Washington; engaged in the expedition against Philadelphia, 1777; promoted brevet-colonel, and took part in the battle of Brandywine; promoted colonel, 1780; major-general, 1781; lieutenant-general, 1793. Sent in 1794 to Martinique, which he reduced. On April 10, 1796, appointed governor of Canada in succession to Lord Dorchester, who was recalled. In that year the fortifications at Quebec were greatly strengthened under his direction. In 1797 also appointed governor of Nova Scotia and of New Brunswick. Held all three positions until his recall to England, 1799. Index: Bk Succeeds Dorchester as governor of Canada, 38. Dr Succeeds Dorchester as governor, 303. Bib.: Dict. Nat. Biog.; Bradley, The Making of Canada; Lucas, History of Canada.
President and Little Belt. Bk Affair of, 173.
Preston, Major. Dr Sent to occupy fort at St. Johns, 84; surrenders to Montgomery, 102.
Prévert. Ch Explorer, gives information to Champlain respecting a copper mine, 13.
Prévost, Augustin (1725?-1786). Father of Sir George Prévost. Entered the army; served under Wolfe at Quebec, 1759; became lieutenant-colonel, 1761, colonel, 1777; major-general, 1779; defeated General Ashe at Brier Creek, 1779, and defended Savannah against the Americans the same year. Index: Hd Haldimand's correspondence with, 294, 338; proposed appointment of, 330. Bib.: Cyc. Am. Biog.
Prévost, Major Augustin. Son of preceding. Index: Hd Interested in settlement of Haldimand's lands in Pennsylvania, 315; his father, General Prévost, also a friend of Haldimand's, 316.
Prévost, Sir George (1767-1816). Born in New York. Entered the army; took part in the battles of St. Vincent, Dominica, and St. Lucia. In 1803 created a baronet and promoted major-general. In 1803 appointed governor of Nova Scotia, and in 1812, governor of Canada and commander of the forces in British North America. In 1812-1813 rendered important service in the defence of Canada against the Americans, but was unsuccessful in his operations in the invasion of New York state, being severely defeated, Sept. 11, 1814. Index: Bk Governor of Nova Scotia, and second in military command in British North America, 101; arrives in Canada as governor-general and commander of forces, 157; previous career, 157, 158; his appointment satisfactory to French-Canadians, 158; appoints Bédard to judgeship, 158; hampered by his instructions from England, 184; his despatch with reference to the John Henry letters, 188; his cautious instructions to Brock, 190, 194, 204, 216; receives news of declaration of war, 203; officially informed of it, 207; his instructions to Captain Roberts at St. Joseph, 210; praises Roberts for his prompt action, 227; his despatch to Lord Bathurst, 227; sends money and stores to Upper Canada, 229; sends proposal for armistice to General Dearborn, 233; letter of congratulation to Brock, 268, 269; notifies Brock of termination of armistice, 269; disapproves of Brock's proposal to attack Sackett's Harbour, 271; his pacific policy approved by British government, 271; speaks of "infatuation" of British ministers regarding American affairs, 277; letter to Brock recommending attitude of defence, 288; his despatch on victory at Detroit, 295. P Arrives as governor, 1811, 32; political quiet restored for a time, 32, 39. Bib.: Dict. Nat. Biog.; Lucas, Canadian War of 1812. See also War of 1812.
Prevost. F Town-major of Quebec, 257; strengthens defences, 284.