Free Settler or Felon

Convict and Colonial History




George McClure R. N.,

Convict Ship Surgeon-Superintendent




George McClure was entered in the Navy List of Medical Officers in 1814 [1]


He was employed as surgeon-superintendent on two convict ship voyages to Australia

1. Westmoreland to New South Wales in 1838

2. Nautilus to New South Wales in 1840.


Belfast 1838

Before he departed on the Westmoreland a Public Dinner was given at Clawsons Hotel, Newtonbreda -

The party consisted of about 110 persons and embraced the Clergy of the Established and Presbyterian churches, several Magistrates, and a number of merchants and professional gentlemen and the most influential farmers of the neighborhood. William Boyd of Fortbreda, Esq., presided; he was supported by Samuel Cleland, of Stormont . The respectability of the assembly the harmonious blending together of so many persons of different opinions in religion and politics and the kindness that distinguished the entire proceedings of the evening bore testimony in favour of Surgeon McClures well deserved popularity over a very large district of the wealthiest and best informed part of Ireland.

After the usual loyal and patriotic toasts the Chairman prefaced the health of their guest by saying he felt assured he spoke the sincere opinions of all present in expressing deep regret at the loss which they were about to sustain in the departure of Surgeon McClure. Whilst the nation would be benefitted by a gentleman of his intelligence and experience going into active service, a large district of country would meet with a heavy deprivation. Surgeon McClures skill, zeal, unwearied labour and humanity were the theme of general praise and universal gratitude.

After the continued cheering had subsided, Surgeon McClure, evidently much affected, expressed the deep sense of gratitude he entertained for this distinguished mark of private affection and kindness. He felt he was surrounded by friends from whom he was about to be painfully separated, but he knew he was about to engage in a public service, from which no good officer should ever flinch (cheers). To he and to his family it was a source of much gratification to find that during his residence in this enlightened part of Ireland he had so deported himself as to obtain the good opinion of so many persons of rank, influence, and moral worth. When he returned he trusted he would again enjoy the same enviable station. Surgeon McClure sat down amid long continued cheers
.[2]

1841

George McClure was on the List of Surgeons of the Royal Navy fit for service in 1841.


Death

He died in September or October 1849 [3]


References

[1] Navy List

[2] Belfast Newsletter 3 April 1838.

[3] Morning Post 2 October 1849