Scott and Australia

Summary of the Talk:

Graham explores the connections between Sir Walter Scott and Australia, focusing on his limited yet interesting engagement with the country and its people. Scott never visited Australia, but he maintained relationships with influential figures from the colony, such as the governors Lachlan Macquarie and Sir Thomas Brisbane, both Scots. These connections were largely through correspondence, recommendations, and the exchange of books and cultural information.

Tulloch highlights several key points:

1. Scott's Influence on Australian Literature: Although Scott never wrote specifically about Australia, his works significantly impacted Australian authors like Rolf Boldrewood and Joseph Furphy, with themes from Ivanhoe appearing in Australian novels. Scott's novels were popular in Australia, with copies sent and occasionally printed there.
2. Governor Correspondence: Scott corresponded with two Scottish governors of New South Wales, Macquarie and Brisbane. Through these relationships, he extended his support to convicts, settlers, and others. For example, Macquarie sent Scott a book about Michael Howe, a bushranger, which intrigued Scott's interest in outlaws, a recurring theme in his works.
3. Convicts and Exiles: Scott used his influence to assist convicts who sought clemency or new opportunities. One notable example is Andrew Stewart, a man Scott helped after his conviction for theft, resulting in a sentence of transportation to Australia rather than execution.
4. Gifts and Curiosities: Scott received several gifts from his Australian correspondents, including emus, which caused him considerable distress. Despite the emus being impractical, they highlighted the connection Scott had with Australian settlers and his curiosity about the colony.
5. Books on Australia: Scott's library included books related to Australia, such as Barron Field's First Fruits of Australian Poetry and an account of Michael Howe. These works provided Scott with some insight into Australian life, particularly colonial conditions and early literature.
6. Scott’s Generosity: Tulloch emphasizes Scott's generous nature, showing how Scott would use his influence to help people, even those across the globe, demonstrating a consistent pattern of support for those in need.

Interesting Points to Mention:

• Scott’s Correspondence with Governors: His interactions with Macquarie and Brisbane are fascinating, as they highlight Scott's practical use of his influence to assist individuals in Australia, from convicts to settlers.
• The Emu Incident: The emu gift, which Scott initially misunderstood as harmless birds, is a humorous yet telling example of the unexpected challenges Scott faced through his Australian connections. It also illustrates the oddities of cross-cultural exchange during the time.
• Convicts and Literature: The connection between Scott and convicts like Andrew Stewart is a poignant example of how Scott’s actions impacted individual lives, particularly in the context of Australian transportation.



Tulloch’s paper provides a unique insight into how even a distant and often overlooked connection, such as Scott's relationship with Australia, follows the broader patterns of his life, defined by a deep sense of generosity and concern for individuals regardless of their location.