British postwar conduct in Boston drove Washington to embrace independence

Evidence

Discussing the source of the fatigue, trouble, and danger, Penn wrote that seven British regiments were expected to invade the colony any day and that, from his refuge on an offshore warship, the royal governor, Joseph Martin, had “coaxed a number of Slaves” to turn against their patriot masters and fight with the British. Penn did not mention the loyalist uprising or rumors that Martin had sought support from native peoples on the frontier, but they animated local patriots as well. “These things have totally changed the temper and disposition of the Inhabitants that are Friends of liberty,” Penn observed. “They ask if it is possible that any Colony after what has passed can wish for a Reconciliation.” In short, he wrote, “Independence is the word most used.” — Edward J. Larson, Declaring Independence, 123 (#expands, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Occupying British troops seized patriot homes and repurposed Boston’s public buildings; British attacks on the South converted moderates to independence by June 1776; British arming of slaves and Indians drove southerners to embrace independence — Edward J. Larson, Declaring Independence, 123 (+1 more)

Broader Connections

• British punishment of Massachusetts rallied rather than isolated the other colonies #expands (0.85)
• British arming of slaves and Indians drove southerners to embrace independence #expands (0.80) — Edward J. Larson, Declaring Independence, 123
• British attacks on the South converted moderates to independence by June 1776 #expands (0.75)