The Probert Encyclopaedia of People

AMERICAN LOYALISTS

From 1688 on, there was in every American colony a party favourable to the English crown. When the Revolutionary movements began, this party became more active. In no colony was there an overwhelming majority in favour of revolution. In some the majority was unfavourable. The loyalists in New England and the Middle States comprised a large part of the most respectable and eminent men. It is now recognized that a large number of them were patriotic in their resistance to the efforts to overturn the existing government. As the Revolution progressed they were treated. with increasing harshness.

Tories were ostracized, and in some cases tarred and feathered. Acts banishing them and confiscating their property were passed by most of the colonial conventions and legislatures. During the British occupation of New York, Philadelphia and the Southern States, loyalist regiments and more irregular organizations were formed and took part in the war, often with great bitterness. Exasperation against them was so great that at the end of the war most of them felt obliged to go into exile when the British troops withdrew. Thousands from the North went to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Canada. From the South many went to the Bahamas and West Indies. In the Treaty of 1783 the British endeavoured to have articles inserted which should provide compensation for the dispossessed loyalists, but no more was secured than a promise to recommend the matter to the States. The States refused to do anything in the matter, though subsequently some ameliorations of their hardships were secured.
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