Robert Farmar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Farmar
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|---|---|
| 2nd Governor of British West Florida | |
| In office October 20, 1763 – October 1764 |
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| Preceded by | Augustine Prévost |
| Succeeded by | George Johnstone |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1717 New Brunswick, New Jersey |
| Died | August 1778 (aged 60–61) Mobile, Alabama |
| Nationality | American |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Great Britain |
| Branch/service |  British Army |
| Years of service | 1740–1766 |
| Rank | Major |
Robert Farmar (1717–1778) was a British Army officer. He fought in the Seven Years' War. He also served as a temporary governor of British West Florida. Later, he was the commander at Fort Charlotte.
Contents
Robert Farmar's Early Life
Robert Farmar was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey. His parents were Thomas and Anne Farmar. They were a well-known family in New Jersey. Robert had a very large family with nine brothers and three sisters.
When he was young, he went to England for his education. He came back to the American colonies around 1739. After returning, he quickly started to gather support for Great Britain.
Joining the Army
On April 16, 1740, the governor of New Jersey, Lewis Morris, made an announcement. He asked people to join an important trip. This trip was to attack parts of the Spanish West Indies.
By the Governors Command. Notice is hereby given to all such as shall be willing to enlist in the important expedition now on foot for attacking and plundering the most valuable part of the Spanish West Indies to repair to the following gentleman and subscribe their names til a general rendezvous shall be ordered at Philadelphia ...
Robert Farmar and his father decided to join. They began to recruit a group of men for the army. On August 2, 1740, Robert said his group was full. But a check showed that his group was not complete. He had accidentally listed twelve men from another group.
He could not become an officer until he proved he had recruited a full group. A British officer helped solve the problem. Robert was ordered to march his group to New Brunswick for a check. He passed the check on August 8, 1740. Then, he officially became an officer.
Fighting in the West Indies
After successfully recruiting his men, Robert Farmar marched them south. They waited to be sent out. On September 30, 1740, they got on ships. They were delayed as more supplies were loaded.
On October 14, 1740, they sailed to Jamaica. They arrived there in mid-November. Robert Farmar became a captain on January 10, 1741. He fought alongside British soldiers in the West Indies. This continued until the war ended in 1748.
The Seven Years' War
On May 28, 1761, Robert Farmar received a letter. It was from Charles Townshend.
I have the satisfaction to inform you that His Majesty has this day been pleased to promote you to the rank of Major in the 34th Regt of Foot commanded by Lord Frederick Cavendish; And I beg leave to add on my own part, that both from my temper and my public situation, I take the sincerist pleasure in every such instance & testimony of His Majesty's approbation conferred upon officers of your distinguished Merit & Rank.
He was promoted to the rank of Major. He would serve with the 34th Regiment of Foot. This group was led by Lord Frederick Cavendish. Lord Frederick was the younger son of William Cavendish, 3rd Duke of Devonshire.
Capture of Havana
On March 5, 1762, Robert Farmar's regiment sailed from England. They crossed the Atlantic Ocean. They arrived in Havana a few months later, on June 6. They immediately started to build up defenses on the beach. They set up cannons and dug trenches.
Early in the morning on July 22, 1762, the Spanish launched a surprise attack. They attacked the position held by Farmar's troops. But Farmar was ready for the attack. He quickly sent 150 British soldiers to defend the area.
The surprise attack lasted a little over an hour. It failed. The Spanish lost 500-600 lives. The British lost about 120 men.
An engineer from the 34th Regiment, Archibald Robertson, described what happened:
"Everywhere repulsed and pursued into the very water where numbers of them were killed and drowned!"
—Archibald Robertson
The British had successfully defended their position. Their cannons were still ready to fire. A week later, the cannons began a constant bombardment. The city surrendered on August 16, 1762. A few months later, a peace treaty was signed. Robert Farmar was then sent to Mobile, Alabama.
Life at Fort Charlotte
Robert Farmar arrived at Fort Condé on October 20, 1763. He immediately accepted the fort's surrender. The fort was renamed Fort Charlotte. This was to honor Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.
He announced that everyone in West Florida was now a subject of England. He asked them to promise loyalty to the British Crown.
Farmar served as a temporary governor of Mobile for about a year. He was then replaced by George Johnstone.
Disagreements and a Review
George Johnstone and Robert Farmar did not get along well. Their disagreements grew quickly. Farmar faced accusations about how he managed government money.
A long review was held in Pensacola. Farmar was found not guilty. He then sailed back to England. When he returned, he found that he had lost his position. He would not be serving as governor of the British West Florida colony.
Later Life in Mobile
Robert Farmar returned to Mobile to retire. He joined the group of people who owned large farms, known as the planter class. He was chosen to be part of the General Assembly five times. He also served as a justice of the peace for three terms.
Robert Farmar passed away on August 22, 1778. He was buried in Mobile, Alabama. A few years later, his farm was lost during the Battle of Fort Charlotte. His wife, Mary Anderson Farmar, sold most of their family's belongings. She then returned to Yorkshire, England.
