Parliamentary activity
Information about members' parliamentary service including their positions held and biography.
Positions
| Position | Start | End | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Member of the NSW Legislative Council | Sat 01 July 1848 | Mon 30 September 1850 | 2 years 3 months | An Elective Member of the first Legislative Council 1843 - 1856 for the Counties of Gloucester, Macquarie and Stanley. |
| Acting Governor of New South Wales | Wed 06 December 1837 | Sat 24 February 1838 | 2 months 19 days | Also Lieutenant-Governor of Van Diemen's Land (later called Tasmania) 28 October 1836 to 8 January 1837. |
| Member of the NSW Legislative Council | Tue 19 November 1833 | Thu 06 December 1838 | 5 years 18 days | An Appointed Member of the first Legislative Council 1824 - 1843 |
| Senior Officer Commanding H.M. Land Forces | Tue 19 November 1833 | Thu 06 December 1838 | 5 years 18 days | |
| Member of Executive Council | Thu 26 July 1832 | Thu 06 December 1838 | 6 years 4 months 11 days |
Biography
Personal information
Son of a Presbyterian Minister. Married Janet Wright in Scotland in 1814 and had issue, six children.
Qualifications, occupations and interests
Soldier and Administrator.
Military service
Became an Ensign in the 90th regiment in 1802 and lieutenant in 52nd in in August 1804. In 1806 he accompanied the regiment to Sicily and two years later to Sweden. Was promoted to Captain on 20 October 1808 and from 1809 until 1814 fought in the Peninsular War, entering the Portuguese army in which he was appointed a Major in November 1812. he commanded a corps of 400 grenadiers at the battle of Vittoria. Suffered a severe head wound in the battle of Orthes in February 1814. He received decorations for his part in five major actions and was appointed C. B in 1815. On 21 June 1817 he was promoted as lieutenant-colonel; he remained in the Portuguese Army until 1822.
Additional information
Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 2