Picton, Thomas (1758–1815)

British soldier. He entered the army in 1771, became major in 1795, and took part in the capture of St Lucia in the following year. When Trinidad was taken from the Spanish in 1797 Picton was put in charge of the administration as a military dictator. His five years' tenure of office was characterized by arbitrary conduct but undoubted ability in maintaining order. He administered Trinidad so successfully that the inhabitants presented him with a golden sword when they petitioned against the retrocession of the island to Spain. He was present at the siege of Flushing in 1809, and was appointed governor of the town. He served in the Peninsular War under Wellington, and distinguished himself at the battles of Badajoz and Vittoria. Picton commanded a division at Quatre Bras, and was shot while leading a charge at the battle of Waterloo. He was born in Poyston, Pembrokeshire, Wales.