Captain John Macarthur 1767-1834

Macarthur began his career in NSW with a land grant which he successfully developed, and was appointed paymaster of the NSW Corps and Inspector of Public Works. From this he moved into commercial activities including allotting a regimental clothing contract to his brother.

His relations with governors were confrontational, Hunter describing his approach as a 'restless, ambitious and litigious disposition'. He ran campaigns to discredit Governors Hunter and King with London: Hunter was recalled and King pre-empted his own demise by sending the ‘purturbator’ for trial in England, from which he returned, with the help of patronage, unscathed with large land grants to develop the wool industry. He then also entered into commercial, whaling and sealing ventures.

The confrontation continued with Governor Bligh, culminating in arrest and trial for defrauding the Commissariat, precipitating the mutiny deposing the governor. When Major George Johnston was sent home for trial in 1809 and convicted, Macarthur accompanied him and remained in England to avoid a trial in Sydney.

Returning when assured he would not be tried in 1817, he set about trying to organise the recall of Governor Macquarie. During the period of absence and instability his commercial and agricultural affairs were conducted by his wife Elizabeth. The turmoil in his mind was eventually diagnosed as lunacy.