Brigadier-General Richard Prescott (1725-88) joined the Army in his teens and by 1756 was a major in the 33rd Foot. He served in Germany during the Seven Years War, becoming lieutenant-colonel of the 50th Foot in 1762. In 1773, he received the brevet rank of colonel, became acting colonel of the 7th Foot, and joined that regiment in Canada. At the outbreak of war, he was based at Montreal with the local rank of brigadier-general, making him Carleton's military deputy. Prescott supervised the reinforcement of St Johns and Chambly, but is better known for his mistreatment of Ethan Allen. During the evacuation of Montreal, he was bluffed into surrendering 11 vessels and over 120 troops, and spent almost a year in captivity, before being exchanged for John Sullivan in September 1776.
Two months later, he was confirmed as colonel of the 7th Foot and took part in the occupation of Newport, Rhode Island. In July 1777, he was captured again - this time in his own headquarters - as part of an American plan to release Charles Lee, for whom he was exchanged in May 1778. During this captivity, Prescott is supposed to have been horse-whipped by a tavern owner after insulting his wife's cooking. An unpleasant man, not even redeemed by military talent, Prescott provides a striking contrast to Carleton and MacLean. Yet despite being lampooned mercilessly by the British press, he became a major-general in 1777, and a lieutenant-general in 1782.
