John Hunter (New South Wales)
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Captain John Hunter (1737 - 1821) was a British naval officer and colonial administrator who succeded Arthur Phillip as the second governor of New South Wales, Australia from 1795 to 1800.
Hunter was born in Leith, Scotland in 1737. He first arrived in New South Wales with the First Fleet. He was second-in-command on HMS Sirius as second captain. The captain of that ship, Arthur Phillip, was in command of the new colony of New South Wales. Hunter carried a dormant commission as successor to Phillip if he should die.
Hunter returned to England in 1792 after the loss of HMS Sirius. Whilst in England, Hunter saw service in the war with France. With Arthur Phillip's resignation from the governorship of New South Wales in 1793, Hunter was appointed governor and took up his appointment in 1795.
Hunter's years as governor were difficult due to a power struggle between military and civil authorities in New South Wales. During the time between Phillip's departure and Hunter's arrival, the military took control of the colony and its institutions. These difficulties continued for the following governors Philip King and William Bligh and eventually resulted in the Rum Rebellion. Hunter is said to have been a compassionate governor.
Hunter died in England in 1821.
The Hunter River and Hunter Valley north of Sydney are both named after him, as is the suburb of Hunters Hill in Sydney.
Further Reading
- The Life of John Hunter, Navigator, Governor, Admiral", Arthur Hoyle, Mulini Press, Canberra, 2001
| Preceded by: Arthur Phillip | Governor of New South Wales 1795-1800 | Succeeded by: Philip Gidley King External links
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