Phillip, Arthur Creator British naval officer who became first Governor of New South Wales, leading the colony for five difficult years. Colonial pardon for James Freeman 'on condition of his becoming the public Executioner' 1 March 1788 as Creator Document signed by Governor Arthur Phillip, Sydney, 17 January 1791, giving David Blackburn commander of the HMS Supply during Ball's illness as Creator Phillip's Map of Sydney Cove 1792 as Creator