Governor Arthur Phillip was appointed as the first Governor of New South Wales (NSW) to establish a convict colony in Botany Bay due to Britain's prison overcrowding.
The First Commission was issued on 12 October 1786, granting Phillip governance over NSW including extensive territories from Cape York to South Cape and adjacent Pacific Islands.
First Commission
Simple document appointing Phillip with military and administrative authority over the territory of NSW.
Required to observe orders from the British monarchy and superior officers.
Second Commission
Issued on 2 April 1787, expanded Phillip's powers as Captain General and Governor-in-Chief.
Combined executive and legislative powers, enabling Phillip to appoint Justices, remit sentences, and govern without a council.
Included detailed Instructions (considered the most important early document), addressing convict management, land grants, and relations with Indigenous peoples, though it ignored Indigenous occupation.
Arthur Phillip's Background
Born on 11 October 1738 in London's East End; had naval and farming experience.
Joined the Royal Navy at 17, survived multiple wars and diseases, married and separated from a wealthy widow.
Served as a spy in Europe and later commanded naval missions, gaining expertise valuable for his role in establishing NSW.
Establishment of the Colony
Tasked with leading 11 ships of convicts and supplies to NSW, a complex and risky voyage.
Phillip meticulously planned provisioning for the journey and ensuing settlement, facing challenges such as inadequate clothing and convict records.
Disagreements with authorities on resource allocations, insisted on two years of provisions.
Challenges in NSW
Botany Bay was unsuitable; moved to Sydney Cove with fresh water resources.
Struggled with initial agriculture due to poor soil, pests, and harsh climate; found better land at Rose Hill (Parramatta).
Faced delays in resupply and challenges from the Second Fleet's arrival with more convicts.
Attempted friendly relations with the Eora people, characterized by mixed results including the smallpox epidemic and capture of Aboriginal individuals.
Phillips Departure and Legacy
Departed on 11 December 1792 due to health issues, leaving behind a growing colony.
His vision was for a free society, but convict stigma persisted.
Contributed to the colony's agricultural and infrastructural foundation, with cultivated lands and new settlements.
Returned to England, remarried, and lived in Bath until his death in 1814.
Memorials in Bath Abbey and Westminster Abbey commemorate his contributions.
Sources
Includes various historical documents, books, and articles detailing Phillip's life and the establishment of NSW.