301:. His extensive influence on the island's administration, legal framework, and military operations marked him as a significant, albeit controversial, figure in Jamaican history. It is a curious oversight of history that while Edward Trelawny is celebrated for his role in Jamaican history, the true architect of the colony's pivotal strategies, John Gregory, remains largely unsung. Gregory, with his prescient proposal of peace as the most prudent approach to the Windward Maroons, demonstrated a depth of understanding and leadership that laid the very foundations upon which Trelawny's fame was built. It is high time that historical narratives be corrected to duly acknowledge the contributions of Gregory, whose legacy in shaping colonial governance and strategy deserves rightful acclaim.
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378:, dated 17 July 1759, he expressed a desire to acquaint the board that he had no intention of returning to the island of Jamaica and recommended a gentleman by the name of 'William Lewis' to be of the Council in his stead. Gregory spent his later years residing in his residence on Conduit Street, St George Hanover Square, London, until his passing in 1764.
401:, the great-grandson of John's aforementioned brother, who vividly recounted his experiences as the estate owner in his book titled "Journal of a West India Proprietor.” John's grandfather, Thomas Gregory, great-grandfather, Francis Gregory, and great-great-grandfather John Gregory, were all members of the prestigious
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was Lord Mayor of London. It isn't known whether John
Gregory's grandfather was in contact with this family of his, but if so, then it's plausible to assume that his aristocratic cousins and other more distant family members certainly contributed to the family's prominence and social standing at the
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As a window into
Gregory's character, Charles Leslie describes him in 1740 as a man "who always acted with that firmness and prudence which became one in such an eminent station; his character is to be strictly honest, and severely just; no motives could ever persuade him to forgive the crimes of
357:
published a letter addressed to John
Gregory from the merchants of Kingston, referring to him as ”The Honourable John Gregory, President of the Council and Commander-in-Chief in and over his Majesty's island of Jamaica.” In 1738 he was again appointed
405:. While of a wealthy background, he wasn't of immediate aristocratic stock like many of his contemporaries. It is true, however, that Gregory's great-grandfather, Francis Gregory, was himself a great-grandson of The Right Honourable
500:
A New
History of Jamaica, from the earliest accounts, to the taking of Porto Bello by Vice-Admiral Vernon. In thirteen letters from a Gentleman to his friend, etc. [By Charles Leslie. With maps.]
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557:
The
Stamford Mercury - Thurs, Feb 16, 1737. numb. 295. In accordance with their current policy, the copy can be viewed on newspaperarchive.co.uk for free when a new account is created.
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393:, where they had called 'Hordley House' home since the mid-15th century. John's brother, Dr. Matthew Gregory, a prominent slaveowner and a politician, named his estate in
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Journal, July 1759: Volume 66', in
Journals of the Board of Trade and Plantations: Volume 11, January 1759 - December 1763, ed. K H Ledward (London, 1935), pp. 46-55.
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convicts, nor could the solicitations or prayers of the most considerable, induce him to deviate from the known laws and rules of justice."
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https://books.google.com/books?id=WGo5AQAAMAAJ&hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=John+gregory+jamaica+chancellor&pg=PA290&printsec=frontcover
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D.D, who was
Chaplain to the King, Henry Gregory, Rector of Middleton Stoney. Henry was the father of Elizabeth Gregory, the wife of
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https://books.google.com/books?id=G3qSTNdp1t0C&hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=John+gregory+maroons&pg=PA13&printsec=frontcover
417:, ancestor of the Earls of Tankerville, and his wife Lady Anne Weekes. Other notable figures in his family include his granduncles,
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West Indies
Accounts: Essays on the History of the British Caribbean and the Atlantic Economy in Honour of Richard Sheridan
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from 1735 to 1751, illustrating his enduring commitment to governance. Notably, Gregory assumed the role of Acting
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of the colony of
Jamaica and the territories theron depending in America during the period of the
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The
Natural, Moral, and Political History of Jamaica, and the Territories thereon Depending
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Origins of the Black Atlantic, 2013. Edited by Julius Sherrard Scott III. p. 12,13,14,15.
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in 1717, and as a long-time and respected member, John Gregory rose to the position of
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on three occasions. In 1735, he temporarily held the position following the death of
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https://www.findmypast.co.uk/image-viewer?issue=BL%2F0000254%2F17380216&page=1
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http://www.british-history.ac.uk/jrnl-trade-plantations/vol11/pp46-55
519:(1915) Historic Jamaica. London: Institute of Jamaica. pp. xviii–xix.
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445:. His grand-aunt, Elizabeth Bennet, married The Right Honourable
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The Political State of Great Britain, Volume 53, 1736. p. 290.
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530:"1751 Jamaica Almanac - Assembly Public Officers and Justices"
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https://archive.org/details/cu31924020417527/page/n25/mode/2up
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from February 14 to April 1. In a letter from John Gregory to
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670:"Summary of Individual | Legacies of British Slavery"
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twice, and served as the Chancellor, President of the
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Sheridan, Richard B.; McDonald, Roderick A. (1996).
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John Fortescue Aland, 1st Baron Fortescue of Credan
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573:. The Press University of the West Indies.
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700:1688 births
540:13 February
156:Preceded by
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684:Categories
579:1808/18363
461:References
431:Harlington
403:Gray's Inn
305:Early life
227:Allegiance
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435:Middlesex
339:President
217:, England
196:, Jamaica
140:1748–1748
136:In office
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