Murray, James (1721?-1794), was a British soldier who became the first British governor of Quebec. He was born near Edinburgh, Scotland, and went to America in 1757. He fought the French at Louisbourg in 1758.
Murray served as one of the three brigadiers under General James Wolfe in the successful battle against the French on the Plains of Abraham outside Quebec City in 1759. After the victory, Murray was left in command of the city. He later defended it against a French army led by General François de Lévis.
Murray was made governor of the Quebec region in 1760. Three years later, when French rule ended, he became governor of the main area gained from the French in Canada. He faced many problems in the relations between the English and the Indians and between the French Canadians and English officers and merchants. Some men working under him accused him of favoring the French. Murray was recalled to England in 1766. But he was cleared of all charges.
