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 son of a naval officer who participated in the defense of Quebec City. Saint-Martin chose to join the British Army during the American invasion of 1775–6.