Sir Frederick Potttinger Character Analysis

Sir Frederick Pottinger, Baronet, this title alone was enough for some in the colonial New South Wales government during the period 1860-1865, to cast aspersions, regardless of their political ideology, as to the character of Sir Frederick and where possible maligned him at every opportunity, even to the extent of accusing Pottinger of cowardice, an accusation ultimately withdrawn after a challenge was issued. This defamation was instigated by parliamentarian, Mr. Harpur, who under parliamentary privilege made many other attacks and disparaging remarks against Sir Frederick Pottinger, as the member for Patrick Plains. Harpur was the son of Ben Hall’s former mother-in-law, Sarah Walsh, , Harpur would brandish Pottinger a coward. It should also be noted that Harpur is the son of Sarah Walsh, stepmother of Bridget Hall.).

Accordingly, Pottinger had his own thoughts in regards to those that he termed that 'Class of People ', including Ben Hall. Pottinger stated this of Ben Hall; "...I accordingly deemed it my duty to at once summarily interfere and conclusively show Hall and those of his class in the district that at any rate, as yet, they could not have everything exactly as they thought fit." Pottinger did not just ride his desk he lived in the saddle and was recorded as the most bush worked officer in the New South Wales police during the reign of Frank Gardiner, John Gilbert, John O’Meally and Ben Hall and