William Paterson (explorer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Colonel
William Paterson
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| 1st Commandant at Port Dalrymple | |
| In office 16 February 1804 – 24 March 1808 |
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| Succeeded by | John Brabyn |
| Lieutenant Governor of New South Wales | |
| In office 13 December 1794 – 1 September 1795 |
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| Preceded by | Francis Grose |
| Succeeded by | Office Vacant |
| In office 24 March 1806 – 26 January 1808 |
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| Preceded by | Office Vacant |
| Succeeded by | George Johnston |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 17 August 1755 Montrose, Scotland |
| Died | 21 June 1810 (aged 54) At sea aboard HMS Dromedary off Cape Horn |
| Spouse | Elizabeth Driver |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Branch/service | British Army |
| Years of service | 1781–1810 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | 98th Regiment of Foot 73rd Regiment of Foot |
| Commands | New South Wales Corps |
Colonel William Paterson (born August 17, 1755 – died June 21, 1810) was a Scottish soldier, explorer, and botanist. He is best known for helping to start early settlements in Tasmania. He also served as a Lieutenant Governor in Australia.
Contents
Early Life & Plant Discoveries
William Paterson was born in Montrose, Scotland. From a young age, he loved botany, which is the study of plants. He even trained in gardening in London.
A wealthy countess sent Paterson to the Cape Colony (in modern-day South Africa) to find new plants. He made four trips into the country between 1777 and 1780. In 1789, he wrote a book about his travels and discoveries. He dedicated this book to Sir Joseph Banks, a famous naturalist.
Military & Government Roles
Paterson started his military career as an ensign, a junior officer, in the British Army. He served in India before moving to a different regiment. In 1789, he became a captain in the New South Wales Corps. He arrived in Sydney, Australia, in 1791.
From 1791 to 1793, Paterson was in charge on Norfolk Island. While there, he collected many plant, rock, and insect samples. He sent these important specimens to Sir Joseph Banks. In 1798, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society, a group for important scientists.
Lieutenant Governor of New South Wales
Paterson served as the Lieutenant Governor of New South Wales twice. His first term was in 1794-1795. His second term was from 1800 to 1808. This role meant he was a high-ranking official helping to govern the colony.
In 1795, after some conflicts, Paterson gave an order to soldiers. This order led to a tragic event where several Bediagal Aboriginal people were killed. Some women and children were also taken as prisoners.
In 1801, Paterson was wounded in a duel with John Macarthur. A duel was a formal fight, usually with pistols, to settle a disagreement.
Exploring New Lands
Paterson was also a keen explorer. In 1801, he led an expedition to the Hunter Region. He explored the Paterson River, which was later named after him. During this trip, his team discovered coal, which was very important for the colony's future.
In 1804, he led another expedition to Port Dalrymple in what is now Tasmania. He explored the Tamar River and the North Esk River.
Leader in Van Diemen's Land
Between 1804 and 1808, Paterson was the leader, or Commandant, at Port Dalrymple. This meant he was in charge of the northern part of Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania). He often sent plant and animal specimens to Sir Joseph Banks during this time.
Acting Governor & Final Journey
In 1809, Paterson briefly served as the acting Governor of New South Wales. This happened after a major event known as the "Rum Rebellion". He was replaced by the new governor, Lachlan Macquarie, later that year.
William Paterson left Sydney for England in May 1810. Sadly, he died at sea a few weeks later while sailing near Cape Horn.
His wife, Elizabeth, later married Francis Grose, who had been Paterson's predecessor as Lieutenant Governor.
