Arthur Phillip

Admiral Arthur Phillip RN (October 11, 1738 – August 31, 1814) is the first Governor of New South Wales, and founder of the settlement which becomes Sydney.

After much experience at sea, including command of a ship that is saved in a storm by convicts, Phillip sails with the First Fleet, as Governor-designate of the proposed British penal colony of New South Wales.

In February 1788, he selects its location to be Port Jackson (now Sydney Harbour).

Phillip is a far-sighted governor, who soon sees that New South Wales will need a civil administration and a system for emancipating the convicts.

But his plan to bring skilled tradesmen on the voyage had been rejected, and he faces immense problems of labor, discipline and supply.

Also his friendly attitude towards the aborigines is sorely tested when they kill his gamekeeper, and he is not able to assert a clear policy concerning them.

The arrival of the Second and Third Fleets places new pressures on the scarce local resources, but by the time Phillip sails home in December 1792, the colony is taking shape, with official land-grants and systematic farming and water-supply.

Phillip retires in 1805, but continues to correspond with his friends in New South Wales and to promote the colony's interests.

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