Miskito General

The Miskito General was one of the principal regional leaders within the political and administrative hierarchy of the Kingdom of Mosquitia (also known as the Mosquito Kingdom), a hereditary monarchy that existed along the Caribbean coast of Central America from the early 17th century until its effective dissolution in the late 19th century. The office of General was typically associated with the north-western region of the kingdom between the Aguan River and the Wanks River, and played a significant role in the kingdom’s military, political, and diplomatic affairs.^[1]

Historical Context

The Kingdom of Mosquitia developed a decentralized but hierarchical political system under British influence during the 17th and 18th centuries. The monarchy appointed several subordinate officials—often with European-style titles—who exercised regional authority on behalf of the king. These included the General, the Governor, and the Admiral, each assigned to a broad geographical section of the kingdom.^[2]

The General was commonly in charge of the north-western between the Aguan River and Wanks River. This role emerged more clearly by the early 18th century, during a period of increased British influence and the formalization of Miskito political structures.^[3]

List of Generals

• Peter (1722–1729)
• Charles Hobby (1729-c 1740)
• Handyside (c 1740–1764)
• Tempest (1764-c 1785)
• Thomas Lee (1785–1790)
• Perkin Tempest (1796–1797)
• Edward Trelawney (1790-1790)
• Jaspar Hall (1790–1797)
• Lowry Robinson (1800-?)
• Barras (1820)
• Thomas Lowry Robinson (c 1830-c 1847)
• Mettison (1847)^[4]