Macarthur, on his way to England for trial over the duel with Colonel Paterson, had seen his ship put in for repairs in Indonesia, where he meets and offers timely advice to the young and inexperienced British Resident at Amboyna, Sir Robert Farquhar, son of the Physician in Ordinary to the Prince of Wales, Sir Walter Farquhar.

Sir Walter becomes an important patron and friend to Macarthur.

For example, when William Davidson, later Macarthur's business partner in New South Wales, applies for land next to Macarthur's holdings at Parramatta, he will carry with him a letter of introduction announcing his Royal connections as nephew to Sir Walter Farquhar.