George Johnston arrived as Arthur Phillip's Marine adjutant, transferred to the New South Wales Corps, received extensive land grants, and lived with former convict Esther Abrahams and their children. Proceedings over payment in spirits and disobedience collapsed because the necessary witnesses remained in Australia. The claim that his 1808 removal of Governor William Bligh was Australia's only successful armed takeover is presented as an assessment. Johnston assumed the title of lieutenant governor and suspended civil officials before a British court martial convicted him of mutiny and cashiered him. He is also interpreted as an instrument of stronger interests rather than the rebellion's principal power. Johnston returned to New South Wales as a private citizen and married Abrahams after 26 years together.
Chapter · 3:06:47-3:10:56
George Johnston leads the Rum Rebellion
Johnston's rise from Marine adjutant to landowning corps commander ended in the armed removal of William Bligh, conviction for mutiny, and return as a private settler.