James Dixon (priest)

As was common for Irish priests, he trained for the priesthood overseas, at the universities of Salamanca and Louvain, then became curate at Crossabeg near Wexford.

Lord Hobart, the Secretary of State for War and the Colonies, instructed Governor King to permit toleration of the Catholic faith in the hope of reducing discontent among the Irish convicts, many of whom had been sent for actions during the 1798 rebellion.

The commander of troops in the colony, Major Johnston, acted quickly and marched to confront the rebels.

A contemporary watercolour shows Dixon pleading with the rebels "Lay down your arms my deluded countrymen.

Church authorities in Rome heard of the Irish priests and responded enthusiastically, sending Dixon an appointment as Prefect Apostolic of New Holland.