Career of Sir John Macpherson, Governor General of India --1785-1786
Source: Dictionary of National Biography

     Sir John was born in 1745 at Sleat on the Isle of Skye where his father, John (1710-1765) was minister of the parish. His mother was Janet, daughter of Donald Macleod of Bernera. He was educated at King's College, Aberdeen and the University of Edinburgh. After graduation he sailed for India in March 1767, as nominal purser of the ship commanded by his uncle Captain Alexander Macleod. Young John landed at Madras where he entered into the service of Mohammed Ali, Nabob of Carnatic, the extensive region of southeast India around Madras. The Nabob was deeply in debt to the EIC due to loans made at enormous interest. John returned to England on a secret mission to seek relief for the Nabob from the home government but nothing came of it (except that it may have initiated some latent animosities as we shall see.)

      John returned to Madras in 1770 as a writer (factor) for the EIC where he was engaged in administrative tasks for six years. When a letter addressed to the Nabob containing details of the secret mission came into the EIC's possession, he was dismissed from its service. He returned to London in 1777 with further letters from the Nabob to the home government. He remained for four years during which time he was elected to Parliament and sat for Cricklade in 1779-1782. His success on the Nabob's behalf is not known but he was reinstated by the EIC Court of Directors to which he had appealed his dismissal and appointed by Prime Minister Lord North to a seat on the Companty's Supreme Council in Calcutta. However, his appointment was publicly criticized by a parliamentary committee which found that his support of the Nabob "tended to endanger the peace of India".

      In his new role, he was among the members of the Council who opposed some of the measures taken by the then Governor General, Warren Hastings. When Hastings resigned in February 1785, he became Hastings' replacement. On taking office he found the finances of the government in great disorder. Pay due to the native troops amounted to £2million and the deficit in revenue for the current year was estimated to be £1.3 million. His first remedial action was to wisely use the cash in the treasury to pay the troops who were on the verge of mutiny. To cover the other payments due he issued bonds.

      Shortly thereafter he was confronted by the leader of the Mahratta states who demanded payment of £4 million in arrears of the tribute promised to the emporor of India in 1765. John disavowed the claim and threatened war if the demand was not withdrawn. The chieftain backed down and when he was replaced by Lord Cornwallis in September 1786, the 41-year-old Scot was able to boast that his administration had not only avoided war and mutiny but it had reduced expenditures by £1.25 million. But, he had not been able to reduce the widespread corruption that permeated all.

      As a reward for his able service he was created a baronet on 10 June 1786 but just three months later he was surprised to learn that he had been superseded by Cornwallis. Although he appealed this action he was denied satisfaction; however, he was awarded payment of £15000 for his unfilled term of office and granted a princely pension of £1000 per year.

      Back in London he was again elected MP in 1788 for Cricklade but a short time later was unseated for a questionable charge of bribery. He retaliated by joining the Whig opposition and became a close friend of the Prince of Wales who became George IV in 1820. His tall figure, handsome face and courtly manners made him a great favourite in London society and the opprobrium of being unseated became moot when he was elected MP for Horsham in 1796, a seat he held until 1802. He died unmarried on 12 Jan 1821, age 76 years.