In October 1814, J. McKenzie of the 46th Regiment, wrote the following dispatch concerning the robbery of Captain Townson by ‘Captain Michael Howe’ and his gang at George Town:
“The bushrangers, or as they style themselves, ‘Gentlemen Foresters’, have robbed poor Captain Townson to the amount of £150 and surprised the party of my men at the heads. Their number consisted of eight. The two Government lime burners voluntarily joined them and five more were waiting with their long boat on the opposite side of the river. Private Geary of the 73d was one of the party […] A strong party consisting of military and volunteer inhabitants have been absent 10 days in pursuit of them and are not yet returned.”
From Historical Records of Australia, Series 3, Volume 3.
Michael Howe: Governor of the Woods 