Reflecting on a colony being carved out by convicted felons; George, in 1812, had been arrested for attempting to smuggle 20 gallons of Bengal rum—though the charges didn’t stick. He continued to be pursued by accusations of theft and misdoings. including illegally hawking meat in 1819 and cattle theft in the 1820s.

In one particularly damning case in 1823, both George and his nephew Thomas were implicated in a cattle-stealing operation. Although George managed to avoid conviction, his reputation took a hit. Raids on his premises became a recurring theme, as authorities suspected him of various shady dealings.

Georges domestic situation was equally eventful; Mary died mysteriously in 1814 and Fanny died of Malaria in Indonesia on her journey back to England (no one knows what became of the 300 pounds) George Remarried for the third time in 1818 to Sophia Lett, a recently widowed, well-respected publican with five children. Together, they ran the Turk’s Head Hotel, later known as the Bird-in-Hand, which he built next door to his butcher shop.