Free Settler or Felon
Convict and Colonial History




James Scott R. N.,

Convict Ship Surgeon-Superintendent


James Scott was born at Inchdrewer Castle, Banffshire, Scotland c. 1790.

Medical Qualifications: LRCS 1809; MD 1815 [4]

Surgeon Superintendent

He was employed as Surgeon-Superintendent on the convict ship Castle Forbes to Port Jackson and Hobart in 1820.

Colonial Surgeon

He was appointed Colonial Surgeon in 1820......

Government and General Orders
Government House, Parramatta
Saturday December 23rd, 1820
His Excellency the Governor and Commander in Chief has been pleased to appoint James Scott, Esquire, Surgeon in the Royal Navy, as Surgeon in the Settlement on the Derwent in room of Edward Luttrell. Mr. Scott will accordingly proceed by the earliest opportunity to the Derwent, and assume the Medical charge of the Department assigned to him and receive charge of the Hospital at Hobart Town as soon as possible from Mr. Luttrell. [5]

Marriage

He married Lucy Davey in 1821 - On Monday last in the forenoon was married by special license, in St. David's church, Hobart Town, by the Rev. Robert Knopwood, M.A., James Scott Esq., Surgeon of His Majesty's Royal Navy and on the Colonial Establishment of this Settlement, to Miss Lucy Margaretta Davey, only child of Thomas Davey, Esq., Lieutenant colonel of His Majesty's royal Marines, and formerly Lieutenant governor of Van Diemen's Land. In the absence of the bride's father, Miss Davey was given away by His Excellency Governor Macquarie.[1]

Residence

Boa Vista was built for Dr James Scott in 1828 [3]

Death

James Scott died in 1837 - With the deepest regret we announce the death this morning, after a long and severe illness of Dr. James Scott, Surgeon Royal Navy and near twenty years principal Surgeon of this Colony. His professional abilities were of the highest order, and in private life he was warmly regarded by all who knew him. His loss will be heavily felt. The unremitting attention paid to him day and night, by his friend and pupil, Mr. Assistant Surgeon Bedford was highly honourable to him. -

References

[1] Hobart Town Gazette 30 June 1821

[2] Sydney Gazette 5 August 1837

[3] On The Convict Trail

[4] Australian Pioneer Medical Index

[5] Hobart Town Gazette and Van Diemen's Land Advertiser (Tas. : 1821 - 1825) Sat 20 Jan 1821 Page 1