Annotation:General Carleton's Quick March

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GENERAL CARLETON'S QUICK MARCH. English, March (6/8 time). D Major. Standard tuning (fiddle). AB. Guy Carleton, 1st Baron Dorchester (1724-1808) was a major figure of the Revolutionary period. He first distinguished himself in 1758 in the French and Indian War, but it was as a lieutenant governor, acting governor and finally governor of Quebec that he made his mark. It is through his efforts that the Quebec Act of 1774 was passed, bringing about improved relations between British and French Canadians. This contributed to the result of keeping the province loyal during the American Revolution, although at the time it angered Americans and perhaps helped to hasten the revolution. During the war, after Gage's resignation as Commander-in-Chief of the British forces, Carleton was given command of British forces in Canada (while Sir William Howe commanded in the south). Carleton defended Canada from an American invasion in 1775 but was replaced by General Johnny Burgoyne in 1777, and he resigned as governor in 1778. Carleton stayed in the theatre, however, and after Yorktown he helped to protect the Loyalist population in the former Colonies. He became governor of Canada again from 1786 to 1796. Carleton was perhaps the best commander in American during his time and held a reputation as a man of principle and and effective and capable administrator.

Source for notated version:

Printed sources: Aird (Selection of Scotch, English, Irish and Foreign Airs), vol. II, 1785; No. 154, p. 57.

Recorded sources:




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