Sir George Arthur and His Administration of Upper Canada

The essay examines the career and policies of Sir George Arthur, focusing on his brief tenure as Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada during the aftermath of rebellion. It traces his long military and colonial service in postings such as British Honduras and Van Diemen's Land, where experience with slave revolts and convict administration shaped a severe, law-and-order approach. The narrative describes his alignment with the established executive faction, resistance to reformist demands, involvement in the trials and executions of insurgent leaders, and difficulties in adapting to local political conditions. The study situates his actions between predecessors and successors, assesses his administrative style as strict and uncompromising, and considers the political consequences for the province.