Edwards was promoted to
lieutenant in 1740 and to
captain in 1753. He was appointed governor of Newfoundland for his first term in 1757. His main concern was defence of the colony as Great Britain and France were at war. Edwards was re-appointed governor for a second term in 1779 and was again concerned with the colony's defences – only this time against
American privateers. In 1780 he formed the Newfoundland Volunteers under the command of Robert Pringle. Edwards ordered the construction of Fort Townshend (
see Lord Townshend) and the
Quidi Vidi batteries including those at
Petty Harbour. Promoted
vice-admiral in 1787, he became in
Commander-in-Chief, The Nore in 1788. He was promoted to
Admiral of the Blue in 1794. == See also ==