Benjamin Goldthwait facts for kids
Benjamin Goldthwait (1704–1761) was a British army officer who played a part in two major conflicts in North America: King George's War and the French and Indian War. He was involved in several important battles, helping to shape the history of the time.
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Who Was Benjamin Goldthwait?
Benjamin Goldthwait was born in 1704 and lived until 1761. He chose a career in the British army, which was a powerful force around the world during his lifetime. As an officer, he led soldiers and took part in military campaigns.
Early Military Career
Goldthwait's military journey began during a conflict known as King George's War. This war was part of a larger struggle between Britain and France for control over lands in North America.
Fighting in King George's War
One of Goldthwait's first major actions was the Siege of Louisbourg (1745) in 1745. A "siege" is when an army surrounds a fort or city to try and capture it. Benjamin fought alongside his brother, Joseph Goldthwait, during this important battle. After this, in 1746, he arrived in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, a key British settlement. He then took part in the Battle of Grand Pré, another significant fight during the war.
The French and Indian War
Later, Benjamin Goldthwait continued his service in the French and Indian War. This was another big conflict between Britain and France, along with their Native American allies, over control of North American territories. During this war, he fought in the Battle of Fort Beauséjour. This battle was important because it helped the British gain more control in the region.
His Family's Role in History
Benjamin Goldthwait wasn't the only member of his family involved in important historical events. His brothers also played roles in the colonies.
Thomas Goldthwait and Fort Pownall
Benjamin's half-brother was Colonel Thomas Goldthwait. Colonel Thomas was a military commander, just like Benjamin. He was in charge of Fort Pownall from 1763 to 1775. Fort Pownall was a British fort built to protect the frontier and control trade in what is now Maine.
Ezekiel Goldthwait and Important Legal Cases
Another of Benjamin's brothers was Ezekiel Goldthwait. Ezekiel was a well-known businessman in Boston, a major city at the time. Even though he had some loyalist feelings (meaning he was generally loyal to the British Crown), he was also involved in a famous legal case. In 1761, Ezekiel was one of the people who hired a lawyer named James Otis, Jr. to challenge the British government over something called "writs of assistance." These "writs" were like general search warrants that allowed British officials to search homes and businesses without much reason. This case was an early step in the growing disagreements between the American colonies and Britain.
