George Johnston, Scottish-Australian colonel and politician, Lieutenant Governor of New South Wales (b. 1764)

Lieutenant-Colonel George Johnston (19 March 1764 – 5 January 1823) stands as a complex and pivotal figure in the formative years of New South Wales, Australia. Best known for his central, albeit controversial, role in leading the military rebellion against Governor William Bligh in 1808, an event famously dubbed the "Rum Rebellion," he briefly held the reins of power as Lieutenant-Governor following Bligh's deposition. Johnston's extensive military career spanned several global conflicts before he became deeply entangled in the unique challenges and political intrigues of the nascent Australian colony.

Early Military Career and Arrival with the First Fleet

George Johnston embarked on his military journey at a young age, serving as a marine officer during the tumultuous American Revolutionary War (1775-1783). This early experience provided him with foundational military discipline and a firsthand understanding of conflict. Following the American War of Independence, his service continued in the East Indies, where he participated in engagements against French forces, further honing his tactical skills and leadership abilities in a challenging international theatre.

Demonstrating an adventurous spirit and commitment to service, Johnston volunteered to accompany the First Fleet to New South Wales in 1788. Arriving as a Lieutenant of Marines aboard the transport ship HMS Lady Penrhyn, he was one of the earliest military officers entrusted with establishing British authority and order in the new penal colony. His decision to join this pioneering voyage underscored his dedication to expanding British influence and his willingness to face the unknown challenges of a distant and undeveloped land.

Service in New South Wales and the Suppression of the Castle Hill Rebellion

Upon arrival in the colony, Johnston quickly assumed a crucial administrative role, serving as adjutant to Governor Arthur Phillip, the first Governor of New South Wales. As adjutant, he was responsible for day-to-day military administration, directly assisting Governor Phillip in managing the colony's nascent defence force and maintaining order among the diverse population of convicts, marines, and free settlers.

Johnston's career then saw him transfer to the New South Wales Corps, a regiment that would become colloquially known as the "Rum Corps" due to its officers' significant involvement in and control over the lucrative rum and spirits trade within the colony. This economic power often placed the Corps at odds with various Governors, who sought to regulate or curb their influence.

A defining moment in Johnston's early colonial service occurred in 1804 when he played a key role in putting down the Castle Hill convict rebellion. On 4 March 1804, hundreds of Irish convicts, many with political backgrounds, rose up in the colony's first major convict uprising, often referred to as Australia's "Battle of Vinegar Hill" due to its echoes of the 1798 Irish Rebellion. Johnston, then a Major, displayed decisive leadership and military prowess, swiftly leading his troops from Parramatta to confront and decisively suppress the rebellion. His rapid and effective response prevented the uprising from escalating into a wider, more devastating revolt, thereby securing the fragile stability of the young colony.

The Rum Rebellion and Its Aftermath

Johnston's most significant and controversial act was his leadership in the 1808 "Rum Rebellion," the only successful military coup in Australian history. This rebellion led to the deposition of Governor William Bligh (famous for the Mutiny on the Bounty). Bligh's authoritarian style, combined with his determined efforts to curb the New South Wales Corps' profitable monopolies, particularly in the spirits trade, created intense friction within the colony. Bligh's attempts to regulate land grants and his clashes with prominent landowners and officers, including John Macarthur (a key figure in the Corps), further fuelled resentment.

On 26 January 1808, the 20th anniversary of the colony's founding, Major Johnston, as the senior officer of the New South Wales Corps present, led his troops in marching on Government House in Sydney. Under his command, the Corps arrested Governor Bligh, effectively deposing him from office. For a brief period following this extraordinary event, Johnston assumed the interim role of Lieutenant-Governor of the colony.

The rebellion, an unprecedented act of defiance against British authority, led to serious consequences for Johnston. He was recalled to England to face a court-martial for mutiny. While he was acquitted of the most severe charge of treason, he was found guilty of mutiny and subsequently cashiered from military service in 1811. This severe penalty meant he was dishonorably discharged, stripped of his rank, pay, and any future military pension, marking a devastating end to his long and distinguished military career.

Later Life and Legacy in New South Wales

Despite his cashiering, George Johnston harbored a strong desire to return to the colony he had helped establish. After appealing to the authorities, he was eventually permitted to return to New South Wales in 1813, this time as a private citizen. He brought with him his wife, Esther Abrahams, a Jewish convict he had met on the First Fleet, and their children, establishing a family deeply rooted in the colony.

In his later life, Johnston dedicated himself to agricultural pursuits, successfully establishing a substantial farm named "Annandale" in what is now a vibrant inner-west suburb of Sydney. This venture proved highly prosperous, contributing significantly to the colony's burgeoning economy through its agricultural produce. Johnston lived out his days as a respected private citizen and successful landowner, leaving a lasting legacy through his descendants and the historical footprint of his estate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lieutenant-Colonel George Johnston

Who was Lieutenant-Colonel George Johnston?
George Johnston was a prominent military officer in early colonial Australia, best known for leading the "Rum Rebellion" in 1808, which resulted in the deposition of Governor William Bligh.
What was George Johnston's role in the First Fleet?
He volunteered to join the First Fleet as a Lieutenant of Marines in 1788, playing a key role in the initial establishment of the New South Wales colony.
What was the "Rum Rebellion"?
The Rum Rebellion was a military coup that occurred on 26 January 1808, led by officers of the New South Wales Corps (including George Johnston), who arrested Governor William Bligh amidst conflicts over trade, land, and Bligh's authoritarian rule.
What happened to George Johnston after the Rum Rebellion?
He was recalled to England, court-martialed for mutiny, and subsequently cashiered from military service, meaning he was dishonorably discharged.
Did George Johnston return to New South Wales after his court-martial?
Yes, he was permitted to return to New South Wales in 1813 as a private citizen, where he established a successful farm and raised his family.