Macarthur papers, 1789-1936

Macarthur papers, 1789-1936 https://collection.sl.nsw.gov.au/record/YRlZ80gn

John Macarthur (1767-1834), soldier and pastoralist, was commissioned as an ensign in the British Army in 1782 and transferred to the New South Wales Corps in 1789 with a promotion to lieutenant. Macarthur, and his wife Elizabeth, sailed with the NSW Corps on the second fleet, arriving at Port Jackson in 1790. In 1792 he was appointed regimental paymaster and in 1793 was granted one hundred acres of land at Parramatta on which he established Elizabeth Farm. Macarthur gained significant influence in the colony but clashed frequently with governors and administrators. In 1801 he sailed for England with two of his sons and while in London actively promoted the colonial wool industry. He returned to Sydney in 1805 carrying instruction from Lord Camden that he should be granted further land in order to develop the wool industry. He was granted land at Cowpastures, considered the finest land in the colony, and named his estate 'Camden Park'. Macarthur was involved in the rebellion to depose Governor Bligh and as a result of his involvement went to England in 1809 to defend himself. He was unable to return to the colony until 1817 because of his part in the rebellion. Macarthur was involved in the establishment of the Australian Agricultural Co. in 1824. He was appointed to the NSW Legislative Council in 1824 and again to the reformed Legislative Council in 1829. He remained on the Legislative Council until illness forced his removal in 1832. John Macarthur died and was buried at 'Camden Park' in 1834.

The collection comprises John Macarthur's correspondence, legal and accounts records, Elizabeth Macarthur's journal, correspondence and accounts and correspondence created by other members of the Macarthur family, along with Camden Park and Elizabeth Farm records, 1880-1903 and the muster rolls, pay lists and correspondence of the New South Wales Corps, 1789-1823.