Born at Haddington, Scotland in 1766, son of the sheriff-clerk of East Lothian. After training at Woolwick came to Canada in the autumn of 1792 as a civil servant. Appointed Deputy Postmaster General of British North America in spring of 1800. Resigned in 1816 and returned to England. Died there in 1844. Author of a "History of Canada", 1804, "Travels through the Canadas", 1807, "A picturesque tour", 1824. A capable artist, his works reflect his travels throughout his career, from Woolwich to Quebec, and journeys in Canada and Europe. Nine of his watercolor paintings of North American Indian tribal activities are in the Willistead Art Gallery at Windsor, Canada.
From the description of George Heriot papers, 1822 April 2 (Detroit Public Library). WorldCat record id: 391963756
