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Campbell, John (c. 1720-1790)
Governor, 1782-1785
John Campbell was born in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland in or before 1720. He went to
sea as an apprentice at a young age, and joined the Royal Navy. He sailed around the world in
1740 on the Centurion as midshipman and became lieutenant around 1745. He became a captain
in 1778, and vice-admiral in 1779.
Campbell served as Governor and Commander-in-Chief in Newfoundland from 1782-1786. During his term, Campbell proclaimed religious freedom for all inhabitants of
Newfoundland, including Roman Catholics. He stated: "Pursuant to the King's instructions to
me you are to allow all persons inhabiting this island to have full liberty of conscience and the free
exercise of all such modes of religious worship as are not prohibited by law..." As a result, James
Louis O'Donel, the Roman Catholic bishop, authorized the construction of a chapel and
celebrated mass.
During his term, Campbell was involved in the legislation of the Island. One matter of
concern was the inhabitants that claimed land used by the public for the fishery. He held an
inquiry and a public wharf and storehouses were established as a result.
After his term, John Campbell returned to London where he died four years later on
December 16, 1790.
August, 2000.
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