George Alexander William Leith facts for kids
Sir George Alexander William Leith (1766 – 25 January 1842) was a British military officer. He became the first Lieutenant-Governor of Prince of Wales' Island (now Penang Island). He took over this important role in 1800 and served until 1804.
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Early Military Life and Service
George Leith began his military career in 1779. He joined the 88th Foot regiment as an ensign. He served in Jamaica early in his career. By 1780, he was promoted to lieutenant.
Later, he moved to India and served in Madras in 1786. He became a brigade-major in 1789. He worked under important leaders like Lord Cornwallis. Leith took part in several major battles. These included the sieges of Bangalore and Seringapatam. He continued to rise through the ranks.
Leading Penang Island
In February 1800, George Leith was chosen for a big job. He became the Lieutenant-Governor of Prince of Wales' Island. He was given full control over the island's civil and military matters. He arrived on the island and started his new role on April 20, 1800. The Governor-General picked him because he was known for being honest and wise.
Expanding the Territory
Soon after arriving, Leith worked to expand the island's territory. He sent an assistant to make a deal with the ruler of Kedah. This deal led to gaining a 60-square-mile strip of land on the mainland. This new land was named Province Wellesley. It was named after Richard Wellesley, who was the Governor-General of India.
Prince of Wales' Island and Province Wellesley together formed the Settlement of Penang. The local name for the island was Pulau Pinang. "Pulau" means island and "pinang" is a type of palm tree.
Benefits of the New Land
Gaining Province Wellesley brought many benefits. It gave the British full control of the harbor. It also helped bring order to the people living in the area. The new land also increased the value of certain goods. The treaty also made sure food and other items could flow freely from Kedah to Penang. For Kedah, it created a protective barrier from sea attacks.
Leith continued to serve as Lieutenant-Governor until January 5, 1804. He was then replaced by Sir Robert Townsend Farquhar.
Later Life and Legacy
After leaving Penang, Leith was sent to Ireland. He worked as an Assistant Adjutant-General there. He continued to be promoted in the military. He became a major-general in 1819. He was also made a Knight-Commander of the Order of the Bath.
In 1805, he wrote a book about Prince of Wales Island. The book was called "A Short Account of the Settlement, Produce, and Commerce of Prince of Wales Island." He lived in Edinburgh, Scotland, later in his life. Sir George Alexander Leith passed away in Scotland in 1842. A street in Penang, Leith Street, is named after him.
