Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Captains Hunter, Collins and Johnston, with Governor Phillip, Surgeon White etc. visiting a distressed female native of New South Wales at a hut near Port Jackson
Captains Hunter, Collins and Johnston, with Governor Phillip, Surgeon White etc. visiting a distressed female native of New South Wales at a hut near Port Jackson

Captains Hunter, Collins and Johnston, with Governor Phillip, Surgeon White etc. visiting a distressed female native of New South Wales at a hut near Port Jackson

Publisher (British, 1778 - 1824)
Date1793
Object number00000876
NamePrint
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 142 x 198 mm
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis engraving was printed as plate facing p.19 of 'The new royal system of universal geography' (1793) by Michael Adams published in London. An engraving of the same subject appears as a vignette on the title page of John Hunter's 'An historical journal of the transactions at Port Jackson'. This work shows several of the main figures of early British settlement regarding an Indigenous woman who is huddled under some bushes near a fire.HistoryCaptain Arthur Phillip was curious about the Indigenous people of Australia and sought to learn their language and customs. After settlement, he gave strict orders against harming the local population and sought to maintain friendly relations. However, Phillip did order the capture of several Indigenous men, the most famous of these being Bennelong, who was captured in November 1789. Bennelong was taught English and European customs and was able to provide valuable insights into the culture of the local Indigenous tribes. Bennelong was with Phillip when the latter was speared at Manly in 1790 and Phillip took him to England with him in 1792. Bennelong returned to Sydney with Governor Hunter in 1795. Phillip undertook exploring expeditions around the settlement at Port Jackson after the arrival of the First Fleet in January 1788. He was unwilling to venture too far from Sydney, but he was regularly accompanied on the trips by several key figures in the colony, as depicted in this work.SignificanceThis work is significant as a representation of some of the most important figures of the early colonial period.