The Testimonies for James Brooks - Page 9 - Transcript
to remain there from an Opinion that he was incapable of doing
any Mischief. As to his delivering up the papers, says he
is of Opinion he was under the Necessity of delivering up the
papers the Power being in the Hands of the Usurpers.
Believes from what he has understood that many
Loyalists have been permitted to remain in America thro’ out
the War, without making any real Sacrifice of their
Principles but that of remaining quiet, Is of Opinion that
every officer under Government shou’d have left the Country. the
Moment Independence was declared, that was his own line
of Conduct, he nevertheless verily believes Claimant never
swerved from his Fidelity to this Government or any Sacrifice
of his Principles except remaining quiet.
Believes Loyalists might sell their Lands till 1780 when
the Confiscation Act took place.
Dont recolect to have heard Claimant assign a Reason
for his stay, but apprehends most people of loyal Principles
waited in the Hope of reestablishment of Government. believes
many who remained to this time wou’d have quitted had they
foreseen the Event.
Believes if he had declared his Sentiments after 1776 it
wou’d have Subjected him to insult and driven him away.
Believes he was always considered as a Tory from the
Information of Loyalists from time to time coming over.
understood it was notorious, and firmly believes he was
judged so by the Americans. thinks if he had departed from
the Character of a Tory he shou’d have heard of it, shou’d
have heard it regretted.
Says it was for some time the wish of Government and
the Commander that the Loyalists sho’d remain quiet
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[Transcribed by Kyle Roberts]
