Lachlan Macquarie: visionary and builder

Town planning

Below are Macquarie's instructions to James Meehan, Assistant Surveyor, for the laying out of the Five Townships of Windsor, Richmond, Pitt town, Wilberforce and Castlereagh, dated 26 December 1810.

Notice Macquarie's attention to detail in the instructions: he sets a regular width for the streets and the assignment of land to be used for the Church, School, Gaol and Guard house. He even gives directions as to the type of dwelling houses which may be built.

The instructions are from NRS 935 Colonial Secretary: Copies of letters sent - Local and overseas, 28 Dec 1809-28 Dec 1813 [4/3490D, pages 55-60; Reel 6002]

You can also read the full transcript of the instructions here (PDF, 590kb).

Moral behaviour

Written on the 24th February 1810 and signed by Macquarie, the following is titled "Illicit Intercourse, evils arising therefrom."

While some may see this as a moral sermon on the perceived evils of immorality and cohabiting without marriage, Macquarie also points out to women the practical difficulties which will be encountered legally on the death of their partner. If their partner dies intestate, and without a legal marriage, they will not be entitled to the man's possessions.

The proclamation is from NRS 1043 Colonial Secretary: Digest of proclamations, government and general orders, 1791-1821 [SZ756, pages 579-581; Reel 6039]

You can read the full transcript of the proclamation here (PDF, 476kb).

Building

During Macquarie's administration there were many public works projects and improvements. Below is Macqaurie's list of public works undertaken, 1810-1821. The list includes public roads; Bathurst; Campbelltown; Castlereagh; Castle Hill; Cawdor; Emu Plains; George Town; Hobart; Launceston; Liverpool; Longbottom; Newcastle; Parramatta; Pennant Hills; Penrith; Pitt Town; Port Macquarie; Richmond; Rooty Hill; Springwood; Sydney; Vale of Clywdd, and; Wilberforce.

The significance of this list is that it is Macquarie's own account of the buildings and public works achieved under his Governorship of New South Wales. It is part of a much longer account of his achievements in New South Wales, written in London in July 1822.  Macquarie, now a Major General, wrote to Earl Bathurst, giving an account of his administration in the hope of defending himself and his Governorship of NSW against the Bigge Report. 

The list is from Historical Records of Australia Series I Volume 10 pages 684-701.

Road rules

Even in 1820 traffic accidents occurred. Still in force today, Macquarie ordered all vehicles to be driven on the left side of the road.

From NRS 897 Colonial Secretary: Main series of letters received, 1788-1826 [4/1745 p.144], Reel 6049

You can read the transcript here (PDF, 297kb).

Establishment of the Native Institution, 1814

With a view to improving conditions for the Aboriginal people, Macquarie established a "school for the education of the native children" under the management and care of William Shelly.

This document is from NRS 1046 Colonial Secretary: Copies of Government and General Orders and Notices 1810-1819 [SZ759, pages 11-14; Reel 6038]

You can also read the full transcript about the establishment of the Native Institution here.

Invitiation to the Aboriginal people of the Colony, 1816

An invitation was issued to the Aboriginal people to meet at the market place in Parramatta on 28 December 1816 to attend a Native Feast.

You can also read the full transcript of the notice here (PDF, 392kb).

Benevolent Society of NSW

In 1817 Governor Macquarie was asked to preside at the Benevolent Society meetings.  

From NRS 897 Colonial Secretary: Main series of letters received, 1788-1826 [4/1737 p.317], Reel 6047. You can read the transcript here (PDF, 397kb).

In 1820 a Benevolent Society deputation to Governor Macquarie sought the building of a Benevolent Asylum in Sydney.

From NRS 897 Colonial Secretary: Main series of letters received, 1788-1826 [4/1744 p.255-6], Reel 6049. You can read the full transcript here (PDF, 273kb).

Note: Central Station now stands on the site of the former Benevolent Asylum (Pitt and Devonshire Streets, Sydney). The memorial stone of the Asylum was removed before demolition and can be seen in the foyer of the Benevolent Society's head office in Paddington, Sydney.

Family

The Macquarie's son, Lachlan, was a much wanted child as they had lost a baby daughter and Elizabeth had suffered a number of miscarriages. Their son's illness, worm fever, caused them enough concern for the trip to Newcastle to be postponed. Notice that JT Campbell refers to the boy as 'the darling child'. While our research has been inconclusive 'Worm fever' is thought likely to be two separate but concurrent infections: intestinal worms which would create a lot of itching; plus a viral infection (like flu) that caused a high temperature, flushed skin, headache etc.

The infant Lachlan survived the fever.

From NRS 937 Colonial Secretary: Copies of letters sent within the Colony, 1 Jan 1814-30 Jan 1827 [4/3498, page 280; Reel 6006]. You can also read the transcript here (PDF version).

In 1817, James Frost of Port Dalrymple received land and cattle. His wife nursed the infant, Lachlan Macquarie. You can read the transcript here (PDF, 394kb).

Departure

This letter, dated 29 February 1822, written in Macquarie's own hand as he is leaving New South Wales, gives an insight into the man. Even as he is sailing away he is still recommending convicts for tickets of leave and expressing his concern for those who have supported him and commends them to the patronage and protection of Sir Thomas Brisbane. Is he simply tying up any loose ends or is he holding on to the last vestige of power and influence?

He signs his signature L. Macquarie. Late Governor in Chief of NSW.

From NRS 898, Colonial Secretary Special Bundles, 1794-1825 [2/8130 pp.351-355; Reel 6020]

You can read the full transcript here (PDF, 412kb).