ways—and perhaps unfairly—compared to
the popular Isaac Brock. However, he was a
competent soldier in his own right who won
the Battle of Queenston Heights and per-
formed much useful work strengthening the
defenses of Upper Canada.
Bibliography
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plain Society, 1920–1928.SHERBROOKE, JOHNCOAPE
Sherbrooke, John Coape
(April 29, 1764–February 14, 1830)
English General; Colonial Governor
S
herbrooke was an officer renowned for
his short stature and temper to match. A
seasoned combat officer, he com-
manded the only British expedition in the War
of 1812 intended to annex American territory.
Afterward, he distinguished himself as an en-
lightened governor-general of Canada whose
conciliatory policies did much to enhance
goodwill.
John Coape Sherbrooke was born in
Arnold, Nottinghamshire, England, on April
29, 1764, a member of the landed gentry. He
joined the army in 1780 as an ensign in the
Fourth Regiment of Foot and was steadily pro-
moted over the years. By 1793, he had risen to
major with the 33rd Regiment, in which Arthur
Wellesley, the future Duke of Wellington, was
lieutenant colonel. The following year he ac-
companied the Duke of York during his
aborted campaign to Holland, acquitted him-
self well, and rose to lieutenant colonel. Sher-
brooke was next shipped to India, where he
garnered additional laurels during the Mysore
War. During the assault on Seringapatam he
was among the first officers to storm the
walls, was knocked down by a musketball, but
quickly recovered. Ill health then forced him
back to England in 1800, where he remained
until 1805. Promoted to major general, Sher-
brooke was dispatched to Sicily to command a
joint British-Italian force on the island with a
rank of major general. At this time one fellow
officer described him as “hot as a pepper, and
rough in language, but with a warm heart and
generous feelings, true, straight forward, giv-
ing vent to his detestation with boiling eager-
ness.” Soon after, the outspoken Sherbrooke
reported for duty in Spain under Wellington
and proceeded to fight with distinction at
Oporto and Talavera in 1810–1811. The Great
Duke was thoroughly pleased with his abilities
as a leader, pronouncing him “a very good offi-
cer, but the most passionate man, I think, I
ever knew.” Sherbrooke subsequently re-