He attempted to obtain a 20,000 acre land grant but discovered that the system of giving large parcels of land to aristocratic colonists had ceased, and had to be content with renting a rural estate for the agistment of the Henty family livestock. Despite James' problems in the Australian colonies, his father Thomas decided to emigrate from England with most of the remaining Henty family in order to join James.
James sought a 20,000 acre land grant but found that the distribution of large tracts of land to noble colonists had ended. He was left renting a rural estate for the agistment of the Henty family's livestock. Despite his difficulties in the Australian colonies, James' father Thomas decided to emigrate from England with most of the remaining Hentys.