Frederick Maitland facts for kids

General Frederick Maitland (born 3 September 1763 – died 27 January 1848) was an important officer in the British Army. He fought in major wars like the American War of Independence and the Peninsular War. He also served as the Lieutenant Governor of Dominica.

Life of a British General

Frederick Maitland was the youngest son of Sir Alexander Maitland. His mother was Penelope. He was also a cousin of Rear Admiral Frederick Lewis Maitland.

Early Military Career

In 1779, when he was sixteen, Maitland joined the 14th regiment. He served as a Marine on the ship HMS Union. He took part in the Great Siege of Gibraltar in 1781.

After this, he served in the West Indies. He worked for General Cuyler, who was in charge of supplies. Maitland was promoted from Ensign to Brevet Major. He also worked as an aide to Sir Charles Grey. This was during the relief of Nieuport on the Dutch coast in 1793.

Naval Engagements

Maitland was involved in two naval battles during this time. The first was in 1793. He commanded the Marines on the ship Fairy. They fought a French ship, but it got away.

The second battle was in 1797. Maitland commanded the guns on the ship Arethusa. They successfully captured a French ship called La Gaieté.

Service in the West Indies

In 1796, Maitland became secretary to General Sir Ralph Abercromby. He traveled with him to the West Indies. While in Martinique, he helped solve a rebellion peacefully. He argued against punishing the rebels.

In 1800, Maitland became the quartermaster general in the West Indies. He was promoted to the rank of Colonel. He led a group of soldiers when they captured several islands in 1801. These islands included St Bartholemew, St Thomas, St Martin, and Santa Cruz.

He was also second in command when Surinam was taken in 1804. In 1805, King George III personally appointed Maitland as Governor of Grenada.

In 1807, he saw more action. He helped recapture St Thomas and Santa Cruz. These islands had been given back to the Dutch after the Treaty of Amiens in 1802. Interestingly, Maitland received the surrender of St Thomas from the same Dutch Governor he had captured the island from in 1801.

In 1809, he led a group of soldiers during the Invasion of Martinique. Because of his excellent service, Maitland was made Lieutenant Governor of Dominica in 1813.

Family Life and Later Years

Frederick Maitland married Catherine, who was the daughter of John Prettyjohn from Barbados. They had nine children together. However, only three of their children outlived him.

His surviving children were Harriet (1801–1850), who married Donald Maclean. There was also Colonel Frederick Thomas Maitland (1807–1882). His third surviving child was Charlotte Garth (1799–1868), who married Captain Thomas Garth RN.

General Frederick Maitland passed away in Tunbridge Wells on 27 January 1848. He was 84 years old.