Death of G. Johnston, jun

The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser

26 February1820

We reported with great regret in our last paper that George Johnston, jun. Esq. had met with a very serious and alarming accident, by the falling of his horse at Camden, in the Cow-pastures; but we little anticipated that it would be our painful task to record a fatal issue to that event; and, it is now with sentiments of sincere sorrow, that we have to announce the melancholy tidings of Mr. Johnston's death, which took place on Saturday last, in consequence of this accident.

Mr. Johnston was the eldest son of Colonel Johnston, formerly of the 102d Regiment, and Lieutenant Governor of this Territory.

He was in his 31st year, and most deservedly esteemed by an extensive circle of relatives, friends, and acquaintance, by whom his loss, at so early an age, will long be sincerely lamented.

Mr. Johnston had rendered himself eminently useful in the active and zealous discharge of the public duty to which he had been called by His Excellency the Governor, as Superintendent of the extensive herds and flocks belonging to Government, and had thereby acquired a very distinguished estimation with His Excellency, who reposed the highest confidence in his honor, integrity, and abilities; and who, we understand, has very earnestly participated in the public feeling on this distressing occasion.

Mr. Johnston's funeral took place on Tuesday last at Annandale, the seat of his father, where a vault had been long since consecrated for such solemn purposes.

This last tribute to the memory of Mr. Johnston was numerously attended by almost every person of rank or consideration in the Colony, amongst whom were His Excellency the Governor and his staff; the Lieutenant Governor, and several of the other officers of the 48th Regiment; together with the Civil and Naval Officers and gentlemen of the colony; all of whom manifested the deepest sorrow and sincerest sympathy with the feelings of this regretted gentle man's parents and family; indeed it has seldom been our lot to record an event that has been so universally felt and deplored.