Edwards, a member of the Royal Navy, was appointed governor of Newfoundland for his first term in 1757. His main concern was defense of the colony as Britain and France were at war. Edwards was re-appointed governor for a second term in 1779 and was again concerned with the colony's defenses – only this time against American privateers. Edwards ordered the construction of Fort Townshend (see Lord Townshend) and the Quidi Vidi batteries including those at Petty Harbour. Service history: