one, and that the Tories comprised both of
these. Many men of property and character in Massachusetts were in
favour of England, partly from conviction and partly from fear. That
large and often cultivated class called "Conservatives," who hold by the
past rather than hope for the future, and are constitutionally timid,
feared change; they were naturally Tories. Most of the Episcopalians in
New England (though not in Virginia) opposed the revolutionary
movements. They had felt the oppression and contempt of the New England
Congregationalists, and looked to the English Government and the English
Church for help. But in Virginia, where they were strong, this was not
so; and there the Episcopalians were among the warmest asserters of the
rights of man."

"In New York there was at first a very large proportion of Tories; in
1776, not less than twelve hundred and ninety-three persons, in the
County of Queen's alone, professed themselves subjects to the King. In
Suffolk County, eight hundred enrolled themselves as King's militia."

"In New Jersey, Governor Franklin, son of Benjamin Franklin, led the
King's friends, and was active against the Americans until it became
necessary to put him in confinement. The war carried on between Tories
and Whigs was more merciless than any other, and more cruel and wanton
than that of the Indians."

"Laws were made in Rhode Island against all who supplied the enemy with
provisions, or gave them information.

"In Connecticut the Tories were not allowed to speak or write against
Congress or the Assembly.

"In Massachusetts a man might be banished unless he would swear fealty
to the cause of liberty.

"Severe laws were also passed against the Tories in New Hampshire, New
York, New Jersey, and Virginia, and in nearly all the colonies now
seaboard States.

"John Jay thought the Confiscation Act of New York inexcusable and
disgraceful."[402]

Mr. Hildreth remarks: "Very serious was the change in the legal position
of the class known as Tories--in many of the States a very large
minority, and in all, respectable for wealth and social position. Of
those thus stigmatized, some were inclined to favour the utmost claims
of the mother country; but _the greater part, though determined to
adhere to the British connection, yet deprecated the policy which had
brought on so fatal a quarrel_. This loyal minority, especially its more
conspicuous members, as the warmth of political feeling increased,