General James Robertson was the civil governor of the Province of New York from 1780 to 1783.

He was born in Fife, Scotland about 1710. He came to the American colonies in 1756 as a major of the Royal Americans troops. He became a lieutenant colonel in the 55th Regiment of Foot on 8 July 1758. He was for many years barrack master in New York. He was promoted colonel and was the commander of the 60th Regiment of Foot January 1776. He was instrumental in fighting and stopping the fire which destroyed 500 homes and about 1/4 of New York City in September 1776. He commanded a brigade at the Battle of Long Island. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Long_Island

He was commissioned a Major General in August 1777. He was appointed civil governor of New York in 1779 and arrived in New York City to assume office in March 1780. He was made a lieutenant general November 1782 and went to England in April 1783. He was replaced as governor by Andrew Elliot in 1783.

General James Robertson died in England, 4 March 1788.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Robertson_(British_Army_officer)

http://www.dunearn.org.uk/index.php/hh

http://www.revwar75.com/crown/bio.htm#Robertson