Captain John Hunter late Governor of New South Wales
Engraver
William Ridley
(1764-1838)
Publisher
Mr Joyce Gold
(Irish, 1771 - 1854)
Date1801
Object number00000890
NamePrint
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 990 x 800 mm
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionCaptain John Hunter, Governor of the colony of New South Wales, is depicted in this stipple engraving from 1801, made two years after he was recalled from his position in the colony. It was printed in London, England on 1 December. Hunter was Governor from 1795 to 1800 during a tumultuous period when the colony was experiencing problems with an illegal rum trade and challenges to authority. Hunter arrived in New South Wales to assume his position in 1795, some two years after the first Governor Arthur Phillip had resigned.HistoryJohn Hunter (1737-1821) was the second Governor of the colony of New South Wales and when Matthew Flinders sailed to Australia in HMS RELIANCE during 1795 he was a passenger on board - about to take up his position as Governor. Hunter was impressed with the enthusiasm of Flinders and George Bass, and later offered support for their explorations while he was Governor.
Hunter was born in Scotland in 1737 and established a career in the Royal Navy, becoming a midshipman in 1755 and a lieutenant in 1780. Hunter was on board HMS SIRIUS when it sailed to the colony of New South Wales as part of the First Fleet. After returning to England in 1793 he applied for the position of Governor after Arthur Phillip resigned. He was appointed in 1794 and arrived in the colony on 7 September 1795.
Hunter's arrival was met with difficult challenges. In the two years since Governor Phillip's resignation and Hunter's appointment the colonial military had exercised ruling control and used their authority to exploit trade, convict labour, land sales and the court system. Hunter faced serious opposition when he attempted to challenge the military’s power. The British Government recalled him from the position in November 1799 and on return to England Hunter was required to defend his character and actions. He was eventually cleared of any fault.SignificanceThis engraving depicts John Hunter, the second Governor of New South Wales, 1795-1800. His tenure was a difficult one in the fledgling colony.
