LETTER, FORMER GOVERNOR OF LEEWARD ISLANDS TO DUKE OF NEWCASTLE RE ARCHIBALD PAULL BURT

« Prev Item Next Item »

Mackintosh, Robert James

1859

Overview

Copy of reference by Robert James Mackintosh, former Governor of Leeward Islands, in support of Archibald Paull Burt and addressed to the Duke of Newcastle. Dated 20 June 1859. Handwritten on blue paper, one sheet folded in half vertically. One sheet of paper, originally folded in half and then into thirds. Marked in handwriting at top, 'Copy'.

Historical information

Robert James Mackintosh, Lt. Governor of St Christopher 1847-1850 & Governor of Antigua , Viceroy in the colony of British Leeward Islands 1850-1855 - author
Henry Pelham-Clinton, Secretary of State for the Colonies 1859-1864 - addressee of letter

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-46-1976.35

Material

Ink

Paper

Width

205 mm

Height or length

320 mm

Contextual Information

This letter has been written in support of (and on the same day as) Burt's own letter to the Secretary of State of the Colonies putting himself forward for promotion to the Bench. (OCHLM 1976.36a,b) The document is complete and in original condition.
It is of historical interest because it paints a picture of Burt's exemplary character and considerable abilities before his arrival in Western Australia where he went on to become a key figure in the development of the law in that colony. Documents associated with his earlier legal career are of great interest in understanding his action and motivations in later years.

Sir Archibald Paull Burt (1810-1879) was born into a plantation-owning family on St Kitts Island (formerly St Christopher in the West Indies). Burt accepted the position of Civil Commissioner and Chairman of Quarter Sessions in Western Australia in 1860. In January 1861 he arrived in Western Australia with his family. Burt was instrumental in establishing the Supreme Court Australia in 1861 and became the first Chief Justice of Western Australia. Knighted for his contributions in 1873, he maintained a secluded life to ensure impartiality and professional detachment as sole judge in the colony until his death in 1879. Archibald Paull Burt’s impact and lasting legacy in Western Australia continues through his family members who have held governmental and legislative roles in the state for multiple generations.

Keywords

MACKINTOSH, Robert James

Pelham-Clinton, Henry

Place made

London, United Kingdom

Year

1859

Primary significance criteria

Historic significance

Scientific or research significance

Comparative significance criteria

Object’s condition or completeness