"Temporary Commander in Chief"
Later in life, Townshend wished to seek a more high-profile position within the government, but his attempts failed, and so did his health. However, in spite of illness, Townshend was named "Temporary Commander in Chief" (Acting Governor) of Prince Edward Island in 1812 following the removal of Governor Joseph Frederick Wallet DesBarres. Townshend was chosen for the job over senior councilor Thomas DesBrisay. William Townshend was so ill by the time he became Acting Governor, that he had to gather the strength to raise himself out of bed to sign in his new position.
Townshend's short time in office, lasting less than a year, was very uneventful, for he mainly followed the instructions of the Colonial Office. By the time he was replaced by Charles Douglass Smith as Governor on July 24, 1813, Townshend was quite satisfied with what he had accomplished on Prince Edward Island.
Illness overwhelming him, William Townshend died in 1816 on a visit to Plymouth, England.
Read more about this topic: William Townshend (colonial Governor)
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