Charles Hotham: A Biography by Shirley Roberts (Secondhand Book)

SECONDHAND BOOK

Charles Hotham, the Governor of the colony of Victoria at the time of Eureka, has long been cast in the villain’s role.

How surprising is it to learn of his considerable achievements as a naval officer of verve and ability. He served with a squadron stationed off the Plata Estuary, now part of Argentina, at a time of wrangling between politically unstable Spanish and Portuguese colonies; his leadership of a successful action against the dictator Rosas brought him a knighthood. West Africa, and the command of a squadron engaged in the suppression of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, presented the next challenge. The public controversy surrounding the Navy’s role increased the campaign’s danger and difficulty, and tested Hotham’s considerable diplomatic skills. These were further sharpened by a diplomatic mission to South America, in the cause of Argentine unity.

Small wonder that Hotham, whose dearest wish was to be an admiral, was dismayed by the offer of a governorship in the colonies. With no option but to accept, he left England ‘with a sorrowful heart’.

His creative contributions to Victoria were swept from public consciousness by the events of Eureka. A year after Eureka, Hotham was dead – there was to be no time for the tempering of the hostility focused upon him by that explosive day. Harsh contemporary criticism of his actions has persisted as received truth.

This book argues calmly and persuasively that Charles Hotham has been unjustly denigrated. It is a moving account of a life of brilliant and tragic proportions.

Specifications:

Condition: Good – some staining to top of pages, spine faded.

Publisher: Melbourne University Press

Year: 1985

Format: Hardback, with dustjacket

Pages: 201pp

ISBN: 0522842879

$15.00

1 in stock