It must be said that the Loyalists gave abundant provocation.

They sneered at rebel officers of humble origin as convicts and shoeblacks.

There should be some fine hanging, they promised, on the return of the King's men to Boston.

Early in the Revolution British colonial governors, like Lord Dunmore of Virginia, adopted the policy of reducing the rebels by harrying their coasts.

Sailors would land at night from ships and commit their ravages in the light of burning houses.