REF-04
John Jenkins Designs
The American Revolution was primarily caused by an erosion in the relationship between the British government and the Thirteen Colonies of America. There were a number of reasons why this relationship broke down to the extent that it did, leading to a full scale war between the two sides.
In the aftermath of General Burgoyne’s defeat at Saratoga, many loyalists in the New York and Hampshire Grant regions chose to flee to the safety of Canada rather than face the prospects of poor treatment, forfeiture of property and imprisonment at the hands of the local revolutionaries.
Loyalist refugees travelled north to Canada, usually along two routes. New York loyalists typically followed an overland route through Native American territory to Lake Ontario. As most of the route was along forest trails, Indian guides were essential.
Unfortunately for many of the refugees, this included passage through territory held by the Oneidas, who were allies of the Americans. Continental and militia detachments that actively patrolled the region had also to be avoided.
Some loyalists might be lucky enough to make the trip in thirteen days, but most took much longer. An expedition of women and children that had to move slowly, would probably miss its boat connections, and with bad weather could take from two to three months to reach the Quebec province.
The British government controlling Canada was ill prepared for the arrival of thousands of men, women and children, who Governor Frederick Haldimand fittingly described as “loyalists in great distress”.
Incoming loyalists were questioned to determine what trade or profession they possessed and then were dispatched to specific locations to seek employment.
Others were assigned to refugee camps where they were expected to work in exchange for aid.
The efforts of the British government to provide asylum for the loyalists were often in vain, and as the years progressed, existing difficulties were compounded with an ever greater influx of refugees.