A Maryland Loyalist

By: David Joshua Greninger
11/21/08


When the war started between the British and the Americas, I just told myself, “don’t get involved.” Unfortunately, I found this was impossible. I had no choice but to pick a side and stick to it. So based on the evidence I have developed over time concerning army size, resources, time, tactics, and location, I have decided to remain loyal to Britain as one of there citizens. Now, if I’m going to be a “loyalist” then I have to understand where I stand on the subject, and be willing at anytime to explain, and perhaps persuade people to join at any moment.

Being a Maryland Loyalist is a choice I made because of the vast armies of Britain Raining down on America, and the percentages of winning are not very strong. When the people in the streets first started all this bustle and bubble about us going to war, I wasn’t keen on any of it. Maybe it’s because I have seen the price of war. War costs a lot to maintain and operate, not to mention when you’re in a state like Maryland, right on the coast, the possibilities of an attack are very predictable. So the cost to the state of Maryland specifically is pretty harsh. Now, let’s take this in from a ten thousand foot view; if the British come, and attack Maryland, Delaware, or another one of the seaside states, the cost of supplies and of resources are going to be significantly higher; at least in that state. In the Charter of Maryland, it explains; “And furthermore, of our more ample special Grace, and of our certain Knowledge, and mere Motion, We do, for Us, our Heirs and Successors, grant unto the aforesaid now Baron of Baltimore, his Heirs and Assigns, full and absolute Power and Authority to make, erect, and constitute, within the Province of Maryland, and the Islands and Islets aforesaid, such, and so many Sea-Ports, Harbors Creeks, and other Places of Unlading and Discharge of Goods and Merchandizes out of Ships, Boats, and other Vessels.” The charter of Maryland: 1632 Written by Francis Newton Thorpe. With this in our charter, it’s apparent that we have access to trade anything we want with anyone, which makes our colony a key target on Britain’s hit list. Now, the British are going to move fast through our land, since we haven’t really had enough time to build up an army let alone a working economy yet. So at this point, I see Britain winning most of the battles. That means that the price of goods will go up everywhere; including Maryland. Not only because Britain is going to cut off supplies, but also because of an amendment we set up in our constitution which states; “The General Assembly shall make, from time to time, such provisions for organizing, equipping and disciplining the Militia, as the exigency may require, and pass such Laws to promote Volunteer Militia organizations as may afford them effectual encouragement.” Constitution of Maryland: 1776 Written By; The congress of Maryland. If the price of good increase, I don’t know at this point whether the colony will make it through or not. But if I’m a loyalist, when Britain comes and takes over, I will be in good hands.

The economy here is not the only part of the colony being affected. There are some significant impacts on the people as well. While the British are going through here, when they capture cities, they take the resources because it takes a while for resources to come from Britain; a period of about 2-3 months actually. Well, when they take the resources from the towns, they are taking all of our goods. Specifically Maryland’s, because we are going to be relatively easy to capture being small, and located on the sea.

The main reason I am having a tug of war inside of me is because if the Patriots find me, and discover I’m a loyalist, they’ll tar and feather me, and then drag me through the city streets, just for humiliation. But that’s not all, also there’s this from the charter of Maryland to think about; “By these Presents, do Give and Grant the fullest Power and Authority) exercise Martial Law as freely, and in as ample Manner and Form, as any Captain-General of an Army, by virtue of his Office may, or hath accustomed to use the same, against the seditious Authors of Innovations in those Parts, with-drawing themselves from the Government of him or them, refusing to serve in War, flying over to the Enemy, exceeding their Leave of Absence, Deserters, or otherwise howsoever offending against the Rule, Law, or Discipline of War.” The Charter of Maryland: 1632 Written by: Francis Newton Thorpe. So, according to this, if they find out my allegiance is with Britain, they can exercise whatever punishment they feel is necessary. The downside is, if I become a patriot, when Britain sweeps through here, I won’t be spared. That’s almost guaranteed to happen. I feel bad for the patriots though, they are fighting for nothing, and when everything crumbles down, they’ll go with it. For me, I think I’d rather stay loyalist than risk losing everything.


When I look at all the information that I have gathered, I realize more and more, that I don’t think we have the advantage in this war, and the possibility of winning is almost none. To support my side of the story, I think being a Loyalist is the smartest decision. I will be okay if Britain sweeps through, and at the same time, if Britain magically loses, then I’ll also be alright because I have kept my allegiance secret. At this point, I need to just wait and see what happens, because at this point, I can do no other.