This breaking away from the 'traditional' policy of adjutancy-in-waiting to the Central Powers was indicated by the visit of Prince Ferdinandnow King of Rumaniato St. Petersburg, and the even more significant visit which Tsar Nicholas afterwards paid to the late King Carol at Constanza.

At Mount Vernon George must have heard much of fighting as a lad, and when the ill health of Lawrence compelled resignation of command of the district militia, the younger brother succeeded to the adjutancy.