The Testimonies for James Brooks - Page 7 - Transcript
In 1774 there was ^a Resolve at Annapolis against the Payment of
British Debts and Claimant opposed and protested against
@ was instrumental in Defeating it. Witness left the Country 1779.
^was often in his Company between 1774 & 1779
Had always great Confidence in him and Considered him as
uniformly loyal Believes the reasons which occasioned his
Stay longer than 1779 were the being incumbered with the
Estate of a D.r Scott and he was in hopes of Affairs turning
out for the better, never heard and cant conceive that he ever
made any Sacrifice of his Principles to prolong his stay there.
Says he was not an Active Loyalist and never risqued his
Life and was an inoffensive Character. Says he thinks he
might have remained at Belvoir without makeing his
Loyalty in the least Questionable, believes Maryland was the
most moderate of all the Provinces, Annapolis excepted,
thinks there was an essential difference between Belvoir
and Annapolis. Claimant wou’d not have found his
Residence so convenient at the latter place. Belvoir was
a quiet place. Dont think he cou’d have remained quiet at
Annapolis till Oct.r 1781. dont know his Conduct between
1779 and 1781 cant recollect that he corresponded with him.
Robert Alexander Sworn
First knew the Claimant about 14 or 15 years ago
knew him at Annapolis in 1774. Witness lived at Baltimore
Town at that time left the Country in August 1776 saw
him frequently in that Interval dont know he made
any particular observation on his Conduct, but thinks
he was loyal because on the Revolution he was not
permitted to ^exercise his Offices, believes his Income as Clerk
to the upper House was between 50 and ￡100 Per Annum, and
as Clerk to the Treasury ￡100 Per. Ann. Currency.
[Transcribed by Kyle Roberts]
