Rahobeth Benson’s Reviews > Divided Loyalties: How the American Revolution Came to New York > Status Update

An outstanding book. The title doesn't guide the reader to the actual contents. This book explains the situation and actions prior to the actual Declaration of Independence. Some families were split with their loyalties. The American Revolution was truly a civil war in some parts of the colonies and tactics ranged from threatening your supposed enemies to mob violance. A keen focus is on NY.

25 - The Proposition Is Peace

Benjamin Franklin finally leaves London. Loyalists, fearing for their own safety, begin to depart on the first boats for Great Britain.

24 - You Must Now Declare

Regulars march on Lexington and Concord. Rebel leaders quickly dispatch their version of events to London. Gage's official report is sent aboard a slower transport.
Troops quartered in New York, while loading onto transports are stopped and tricked or forced to leave behind trunks of weapons. The soldiers are induced to desert and several do.

23 - The Sword Is Drawn

The New York Assembly (DeLancey party) votes against sending delegates to the Congress in May, to Colden's delight. Whigs convene a Provincial Congress and select the delegates instead. Merchants buying supplies thought to be for the Army in Boston are labeled as foes. These merchants fight back questioning the authority that Sears had. Howe, Clinton, and Burgoyne sail for Boston.

22 - Affairs Grow Serious

New York merchants refuse to use their ships to transport troops or military supplies to Boston. Samuel Seabury fights against Livingston in articles. Seabury tries to convince farmers that Congress' export restrictions are more costly then paying the tea tax for an entire year. Colden has a plot to dissolve the Assembly before they can select delegates to the next Congress.

21 - Blows Must Decide

Gage fortifies Boston neck for defense. The Suffolk Count Convention passes its resolves. The first Continental Congress sits with 64 delegates from 12 colonies. A Continental Association is formed and agreements to end imports/exports to and from England.

20 - The Mob Begin to Think

The Committee of Fifty-one meets to approve delegates and approve agreed upon resolves. The meeting fails resulting in a new committee of 15.

The Boston Delegates arrive in New York and meet with the prominent New York parties, both republican and conservative. The more conservative parties fear a movement to Independence. Any non-importation agreement adopted must be universal.

19 - An Act of Tyranny

The Quebec Act is passed. Many Americans despise it because it undid many land claims of New Englanders and Virginians.

The Boston Port Bill is labeled an "Act of Tyranny" not only for Boston but all Americans. McDougall, Sears, merchants and the Liberty Boys propose a congress. For as a bundle of sticks is stronger then a single twig. The colonies must stand together or fall one by one.

18 - Coercive Measures

The East India Tea Company finds itself on the verge of economic collapse. Parliament allows the tea to be brought directly to the American colonies to be sold directly, only subject to the three pence a pound Tea Tax.

Boston hosts the brewing of tea in Boston harbor.

Benjamin Franklin leaks letters from Hutchinson and as a result is an outcast in London politics.

17 - Battle of Golden Hill

Tensions grow between soldiers and civilians. Soldiers post handbills attacking the attitudes of the civilians. In response, a fight breaks out among the streets on a rise known as Golden Hill.

A new reinforced Liberty Pole is erected under much parade and celebration.

The effects on British merchants by colonial non-importation results in the repeal of the Townshend Act, except tea.