Papers of Sir Joseph Banks.

Sir Joseph Banks Papers, 1767-1822. Includes some papers of Sarah Sophia Banks, 1766, 1773-1774, 1779; and Dorothea, Lady Banks, 1817-1822..

John Hunter had sailed to New South Wales with the First Fleet as second-in-command on board HMS Sirius. He also had a commission to succeed the first Governor, Arthur Phillip, in the case of his death or absence. Hunter left New South Wales in March 1791 to return to England, arriving in April 1792.

He returned to New South Wales on HMS Reliance, arriving 7 September 1795. On 11 September he assumed the office of Governor of the colony succeeding Phillip, who had returned to England in December 1792, and following a subsequent period of military rule under Major Francis Grose and Colonel William Paterson. As Governor, Hunter was officially responsible to the Secretary of State, the Duke of Portland, but reported more fully and confidentially to Sir Joseph Banks.

One of his first initiatives as Governor was to attempt to reduce military power in the colony by curbing the military's monopoly over commercial services particularly the import and sales of goods and spirits. He attempted to organise an effective constabulary and establish public buildings. He consistently outlined the need for non-military assistance for the Governor.

While he was Governor, Hunter personally undertook, or organised, exploration and charting of land and coastal areas. He was involved in locating the cattle at Cowpastures descended from those which had arrived with the First Fleet and strayed from the settlement in July 1788. He conscientiously collected and sent plant and animal specimens to Banks.

In November 1799 he was recalled to England by the Duke of Portland. Government of the Colony passed to Philip Gidley King in September 1800.

During his period of governorship in New South Wales, Hunter constantly felt the lack of support from, and what he considered to be neglect by, the administration in England. He believed his dispatches had been ignored in favour of unofficial reports by dissatisfied residents of New South Wales. In 1802 he published an account of his experiences in New South Wales with his suggestions for reform and improvement titled Governor Hunter's Remarks on the Causes of the Colonial Expense of the Establishment of New South Wales. Hints for the reduction of such expense and for reforming the prevailing abuses. The appearance of this report contributed to the partial restoration of his reputation which had suffered following his recall from New South Wales.

Subjects:
Commerce - New South Wales
New South Wales - Colonisation

Papers of Sir Joseph Banks.

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