CAMPBELL, JAMES (1783-1858) of the Campbells of Skerrington, Ayrshire, was an officer of the 45th and 50th Regiments, with which he served in the Peninsular War. He was on the staff of Sir Thomas Picton's division, being brigade-major of the right brigade. Campbell was present at the battles of Vimiera, Talavera, Busaco, Fuentes d'Onoro, Badajoz, Toledo and Salamanca and was promoted major and lieutenant-colonel, receiving the medal with 14 clasps. He served also at Monte Video and Buenos Ayres (under Whitelock), and in Ceylon and North America.

After retiring from the army Campbell experienced many misfortunes until 1850, when he became interested in the Canterbury Association and invested in land. On 25 May he was elected a member of the committee of the Society of Canterbury Colonists (with Tancred, Sewell and Brittan). He came to New Zealand in the London (arriving at Auckland in Feb 1851). A recommendation from the British government to Sir George Grey led to Campbell's being appointed on 27 Sep a commissioner of claims in New Munster and afterwards commissioner of crown lands and government agent in Canterbury and senior justice of the peace. In this capacity he was called on to investigate all land claims and adjudicate upon them. He came into conflict with the settlers and protests were made to Grey against his administration.

In Jul 1853, though still holding his official post, he contested the superintendency of Canterbury against Fitzgerald, in spite of the returning officer's warning that he was not qualified by being on the electoral roll. The election resulted: Fitzgerald 135 votes; Campbell 94, Tancred 89. A few months later Campbell was superseded and thereafter he persistently petitioned for compensation for loss of office. In his statement (dated 1 Nov 1856) he says that he was opposed to provincialism and was a consistent advocate of a strong central government.

He died on 7 Jul 1858. (See FRANCIS EDWARD CAMPBELL.)

War Office records; memorial to Governor Browne (in Hocken Library); App. H.R., 1856; Cant. O.N.; Andersen; Acland; Woodhouse; Hocken; Hempleman; Godley, Letters; Deans; Lyttelton Times, 18 Oct 1851; 1853 (12 Feb, 5 Mar, 21 Apr, 11, 18 Jun, 2, 16, 28 Jul); 7 Jul 1858.

Reference: Volume 1, page 84

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