12. The Rum Rebellion overthrew the legal government of the colony
In January, 1808, Bligh again ordered the arrest of Macarthur, who was then released by Johnston. Macarthur presented a petition, which was signed by prominent citizens and the officers of the Corps (though most of the signatures were added after Bligh’s arrest). Johnston then arrested the governor and kept him in Government House. Johnston assumed the position of military governor, and the government of New South Wales went under the control of the New South Wales Corps. Macarthur called for Bligh to be tried but Johnston, likely aware of the illegality of his actions, refused. He demanded instead for Bligh to return to Great Britain. Bligh refused to leave until he was legally relieved as governor.
It took years to settle the matter. The Colonial Office found Johnston and Macarthur acted illegally. The New South Wales Corps was recalled to England, renamed the 102nd Regiment of Foot. It was replaced by another regiment, the 73rd, commanded by Major General Lachlan Macquarie, who was appointed governor of the colony. Johnston and Macarthur were returned to England for trial. Johnston was convicted of mutiny and cashiered (discharged). Macarthur was not allowed to return to Australia until 1817, the year William Bligh died in England. The Rum Rebellion was the only successful armed coup in Australian history. The illegal rum trade continued.