[Footnote: There were undoubtedly very many horse-thieves, murderers, and rogues of every kind with Ferguson, but equally undoubtedly the bulk of his troops were loyalists from principle, and men of good standing, especially those from the seaboard.

Many of the worst tory bandits did not rally to him, preferring to plunder on their own account.

The American army itself was by no means free from scoundrels.

Most American writers belittle the character of Ferguson's force, and sneer at the courage of the tories, although entirely unable to adduce any proof of their statements, the evidence being the other way.

Apparently they are unconscious of the fact that they thus wofully diminish the credit to be given to the victors.