Peter Russell (1733-1808) was a gambler, government official, politician and judge in Upper Canada. Born in Cork, Ireland, Russell attended Cambridge briefly. His debts forced him to enter the British Army during the Seven Years War.

After fleeing due to gambling debts, Russell returned to America during the Revolutionary War, seeking promotion in the military and becoming a captain. He was appointed superintendent of the port of Charleston in 1782 before returning to England. Back in debt, Russell came to Upper Canada in 1790 to serve in the administration of John Graves Simcoe serving on the Executive Council and Legislative Council. Russell was appointed to a temporary judgeship in 1794 and also became Speaker of the Legislative Council.

Simcoe requested a leave of absence in December 1795 and recommended that Russell act as administrator of Upper Canada in his absence. He assumed the position in July 1796 and remained administrator until 1799 when Simcoe's permanent replacement was appointed.

Russell’s administration saw the peaceful transfer of six border posts from the British to the Americans under the terms of the 00Jay Treaty. Russell was at a disadvantage, however, as Simcoe had left only twelve documents behind having taken all his other papers with him. This left Russell ignorant of British policy and of Simcoe's proposals for the province.

Russell attempted to tighten up the system of land grants in order to curtail speculation, nepotism and corruption.

He clashed with the new chief justice, John Elmsley, (who served on the Executive Council as part of his duties) over issues such as the seat of government with Elmsley objecting to the implementation of Simcoe's directions on making York the capital.

Elmsley also objected to Russell's self-appointment to the Court of King's Bench due to Russell's lack of legal training and the violtion of the separation of judicial and executive powers. Russell needed the extra income, however, and ignored Elmsley's objectdions.

By 1798 it became evident that Simcoe would never return. Russell hoped to become the new lieutenant-governor and was disappointed when Peter Hunter was given the position in 1799.

Russell remained on the Executive Council but his influence waned and he had little power. When Hunter died in 1805, Russell had hoped to again be administrator but was passed over in favour of Alexander Grant. Tired of Canada, he wished to return to England but, unable to find a buyer for his 6,000 acres (24 km²) of land, he could not afford the trip and remained in the province until his death in 1808.

External link

• Biography at the Canadian Dictionary of Biography Online