Constructing Ionian identities: the Ionian Islands in British official ...

treatise on Naval Gunnery in 1820 became the basis of military training and study
until the late 1840s. Naval Gunnery also encompassed key points of a national
strategy associated with the development of new weapons and tactics for the
bombardment of foreign naval bases. He became an undisputed authority in his field.
A protégé of Bathurst, Douglas was governor of New Brunswick between
1823-1831. 29 During his tenure, he devoted himself to its development, constructing
the new Government House, advancing municipal and county government and re-
organizing the local militia. He favoured the settlement of British Protestants only.
He promoted rural schools, agricultural societies and fairs, and constructed roads and
lighthouses. He advocated education for Native American children in their family
environment while discouraging their assimilation in the colony. 30 He founded
Fredericton College, whose loyal pupils kept him informed of American policies. 31
He believed the Canadian colonies were a source of strategic and commercial
strength to Britain and urged the British government to continue its financial support
of New Brunswick. 32 In February 1831 he resigned as governor of New Brunswick
and campaigned publicly for continued protective tariffs for British-Canadian timber
against the ascendant free-traders.
In Britain he was not supported by the Whig government because of his
opposition to the Reform Bill and emancipation. He unsuccessfully ran as the Tory
29 The city of Bathurst, in North-eastern New Brunswick was named in honour of the Colonial
Secretary Earl Bathurst.
30 Fullom S. W., The Life of General Sir Howard Douglas, chapters 24-28.
31 Ibid., chapters 28-31.
32 Ibid., chapter 29.
154