Early Peregrinations
Scott was born in Rathfriland, Ireland, son of an Anglican clergyman of Scottish descent. His father's intention was that he join the priesthood, but Scott instead trained to be an engineer, completing his studies in London.
The family moved to New Zealand in 1861, with Scott intending to try his luck in the Otago goldfields. However, the Maori Wars intervened and Scott signed up as an officer and fought at the battle of Oraku where he was wounded in both legs.
After a long convalescence Scott was accused of malingering and courtmartialed. He gave his disquiet at the slaughter of women and children during the siege as the source of his objection to returning to service.
In Melbourne he met Bishop Charles Perry and, in 1868, he was appointed lay reader at Bacchus Marsh, Victoria with the intention of entering the Anglican priesthood on the completion of his service. He was then sent to the gold mining town of Mount Egerton.
Read more about this topic: Captain Moonlite
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