DOUGLAS, Sir Charles, British naval officer, born in Scotland; died in 1789. After being for some time in the service of Holland he entered the British navy, and at the beginning of the American war had command of the squadron destined for the Gulf of St. Lawrence. In the spring of 1776 he forced his way up that River, through fields of drifting ice, and for the timely relief of his countrymen at Quebec received honors and promotion. In 1787 he was created a rear admiral. Sir Charles introduced the mode of firing guns on board ships by means of locks instead of matches.

His son, Sir Howard Douglas, soldier, born in Gosport, England, 1 July 1776; died in England, 8 November 1861, entered the British army early in life, and, served in Portugal and Spain in 1808'12. He was appointed governor of New Brunswick in 1823, and remained there until 1829. During his term of office he constructed military roads, established schools, and displayed a deep interest in the Presbyterian Church and collegiate instruction. He was, in fact, the energetic promoter of the material, educational, and religious interests of the province. On his return to England he was made lord high commissioner of the Ionian Islands (1835'40), and represented Liverpool in parliament from 1842 till 1847. He was promoted to the rank of general in 1851. His scientific attainments were large, and his "Treatise on Naval Gunnery" (1819), which was approved by the admiralty, is considered an authority. He was also the author of an "Essay on Military Bridges" (1816), and other works on fortifications and gunnery.