Reforming convicts

Among those who benefited from his liberal approach were a group of skilled and industrious emancipists who made significant contributions to the colony. James Meehan, for example, transported for his part in the Irish Rebellion of 1798, rose to become deputy surveyor general. He was responsible for devising and implementing the first plan for Hobart, as Macquarie had ordered. Macquarie attempted to promote him to surveyor general, but the appointment was refused by London. He then attempted to make him a magistrate, which provoked further condemnation from Macquarie’s critics.