Elliott, John (?-1808)

Governor, 1786-1789

John Elliot was born in Scotland, son of Sir Gilbert Elliot. He joined the Royal Navy and was promoted lieutenant in April 1756, and posted to the Royal William the next year.

In 1760, Elliot was responsible for destroying a French squadron off the coast of Ireland, and act which made him famous. The following year he served on the Chichester in the Mediterranean where he stayed until the Treaty of Paris in 1763. From 1763 to 1771 he commanded guard ships at Plymouth, and in April 1777, he transported Commissioners to North America to negotiate with the rebel colonies.

In 1786, Elliot was commissioned Governor and commander-in-chief of Newfoundland. His term lasted three years, and in 1790 he became a Vice-Admiral. He became an Admiral in 1795, and he retired in Roxburgshire, Mouth Teviot where he held a seat. He died there on September 20, 1808.

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