Galley Release
Biographic
Australian History
What sort of man was Arthur Phillip?
Why was he selected to undertake the unenviable task of colonising New South Wales? In the space of four years ten months and fifteen days, Captain Arthur Phillip established Sydney Town hewn from some of the harshest terrain on earth, with very little assistance and even less support from those who sent him on what many considered a hopeless mission.
Unlike earlier publications regarding Phillip, Admiral of the Royal Navy, this biography concentrates on the man. For avid readers of Patrick O’Brian’s adventures of Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin I can tell you Phillip had the courage and daring of Aubrey and even a touch of Maturin, as he became involved in naval intelligence.
Of particular interest, through the Rebello Transcripts, clarification of his service with the Portuguese Navy, and subsequent visits to South America, are revealed. Also, recently discovered personal letters give an insight into his second marriage, with new information presented regarding his family