He was born Jacques-Nicolas Saint-Martin at Trois-Rivières in 1753, the son of a captain in the French navy who took part in the defence of Quebec City. Saint-Martin volunteered to serve in the British Army during the American invasion of 1775–6.
He was born Jacques-Nicolas Saint-Martin at Trois-Rivières in 1753, the child of a naval captain involved in the defense of Quebec City. Saint-Martin volunteered to serve with the British Army during the American invasion from 1775 to 1776.