GODFREY, EDWARD LEE, entered the British Army as ensign in the 20th Foot in 1809 and was promoted captain in the 73rd (1828), retiring on half pay 1830. From 1833 he served in the civil wars in Portugal and Spain. In 1839 he arrived in New South Wales with the intention of becoming a settler. He was a man of high principle and good judgment and became intimate with the officer commanding the forces (Sir M. O'Connell), by whom he was recommended to Governor Gipps for the post of land titles commissioner in New Zealand. To this he was appointed in Oct 1840. He was still engaged in his task when New Zealand became a separate colony and Hobson confirmed him in office as commissioner for land claims (3 Jul 1841).

G.B.O.P., 1845/108, 1845/131; Shortland, 9; Army Lists, 1810, 1829, 1831-33; Jellicoe; E. Wilson; Madden

Reference: Volume 1, page 168

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