ere? And this the more so as they were,
probably, superior in wealth and nearly equal in numbers to their
oppressors, who had suddenly seized upon all military sources of power,
disarmed the Loyalists, and erected tribunals for their ruin.[114]
American writers often speak of the havoc committed by the "Tories," but
the acts of Legislatures and Committees above quoted furnish ample
causes and provocation for retaliation, and the most desperate
enterprises and efforts to recover lawful rights and hard-earned
property. Where these Confiscating Acts had been most sweeping and
severe, as in the case of South Carolina, and the two parties nearly
equal, this internecine war against life and property was the most
relentless.[115]

It is as easy as it is unfair for American writers to narrate and
magnify the murderous acts of the "Tories," and omit those perpetrated
by the "Whigs," as well as the cruel laws against the liberties,
property, and lives of the "Tories," which gave rise to these barbarous
acts.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 102: "Committees exercised legislative, executive, and
judicial powers. It is not to be doubted that, in many instances, these
were improperly used, and that private resentments were often covered
under the specious veil of patriotism. The sufferers, in passing over to
the Royalists, carried with them a keen remembrance of the vengeance of
Committees, and when opportunity presented were tempted to retaliate."
(Dr. Ramsay's History of the United States, Vol. II., Chap. xxvi., pp.
467, 468.)]

[Footnote 103: "Until the Declaration of Independence they were by far
the largest party, who not only expected but prayed for a
reconciliation. England was their home, and by that affectionate name
was always spoken of; all the wrongs which were heaped upon the children
could not make them forget their home, or entirely alienate them from
their parent. The ligaments that connect nations are never less
powerful, though less tender, than those which unite individuals,
families, and clans. Consanguinity, affinity, alliance, operate alike on
each." (Allen's History of the American War.)

"The disaffected, or rather the Loyalists, were a formidable party in
the Middle States. They might be forgiven--many of them acted from
principle, from a conscientious regard to their duty, from affection to
their 'Sovereign,' and however mistaken they may have been, they deserve
no censure. It is the infirmity of men's nature