Colonel John Campbell, of Melfort

IEUT. COLONEL JOHN CAMPBELL (OF MELFORT), a distinguished Officer of the Black Watch, and Governor of Fort George, died 1790.

Sons of the Mountains: A History of the Highland Regiments in North America during the French & Indian War, 1756-1767. by Ian Macpherson McCulloch

John Campbell of Melfort (1730-1790) (whose portrait appears on the cover of Vol. 2)

British Army Career Lieut: 30 July 1757, 77th Foot; appointed adjutant, 77th Foot, 11 July 1759; resigned adjutancy, 1 February 1763; transferred on promotion; Captain: 1 February 1763, 42nd Foot; half-pay, 24 October 1763; Major: c. 1779, Argyll (Western) Fencibles.

John was the son and heir of Archibald Campbell and Annabel Campbell, sister of John Campbell of Barcaldine. Nephew of Major Allan Campbell, 42nd Foot (see above) and first cousin of Major Alex Campbell and Captain Mungo Campbell of the 77th Foot (see 77th Register). Came to North America as a lieutenant in one of the 77th Additional Companies. Participated in all major campaigns of Montgomery Highlanders, including the capture of Montreal in 1760. Transferred to the 42nd Foot on promotion to captain while recuperating at New York after the grueling Caribbean campaign. Out on half-pay, October 1763. Was second-major in the Argyll (Western) Fencibles along with first major, Hugh Montgomerie, (another former 77th officer - see Register), when that regiment mutinied at Edinburgh in October 1779. Considered a popular officer amongst the men, it was Melfort's calm actions along with support from Montgomerie that quelled the disturbances. He married his cousin in 1767, Colina, daughter of John Campbell of Achalader and Isabella Campbell, daughter of Patrick Campbell of Barcaldine. He died at Bath in 1790 at the age of 60.