Re: Edward Conway/Edwin Conway I-Engl. 1600s
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In reply to:
Re: Edward Conway/Edwin Conway I-Engl. 1600s
Jerolyn Wallace 1/21/01
I quote from I. W. Wilson's History of Digby County, Nova Scotia, Canada:
" The Right Honorable Henry Seymour Conway, General of the British Army, a son of the Earl of Hertford, was born at Mansion of his father's Manor in the County of Hertford, England, 1720, and received highest education Oxford University afforded.After serving with distinction in the Army, he entered the House of Commons in 1757 as representative of Portsmouth.He had a command in Germany, 1761, during Seven Years War.Although by political intrigue, George lll once dimissed General Conway unjustly from the military service, yet when the ministry led by Marquis of Rockingham was in jeopardy, the King being very thankful indeed to have his great influence and happy business tact, cheerfully appointed Hon. H. S. Conway Joint Secretary of State with Duke of Grafton, July 12 1765, displacing Earl of Sandwich.The persecuted Hero consequently became leader of Government in the House of Commons.In same year, he had fervently pleaded the cause of American Colonies in connection with Colonel Barre, during debate on the celebrated Stamp Act framed by Lord North, which nevertheless became law, and in due course, fully verified the most gloomy predictions of both gentlemen.The champion of equal priviledges now beheld the fruition of his noble desire - the repeal of that very unpopular enactment.General Conway efficiently discharged the laborious and perplexing duties of State Department till January 20th, 1768, when Thomas Viscount, Weymouth, became his successor.He nevertheless faithfully and judiciously performed the functions of a commoner until defeated at General Election of 1784.Two years previously, he was commissioned Commander-In-Chief of the British Army.It was during his service as Secretary of State, that the grant conveying Township of Conway, named in the General's honor, was issued by Governor Wilmot of Nova Scotia, to Alex McNutt and others, comprising principal area of present Townships called Digby and Weymouth in our county.Having passed an honorable and useful career, the Senior Field Marshall of Great Britain departed this life, July 9th, 1795, at the ripe age of 75 years, leaving a spotless reputation for Loyalty, Candour, and integrity."