New York City residents welcomed the British as liberators in September 1776

Evidence

Fortunately for the Americans, by prior orders, after securing the beachhead, the advance guard paused until 9,000 added troops under General Howe’s direct command landed in midafternoon. By then, using roads running along the island’s west side, Putnam’s rearguard from the city slipped past enemy lines to reach Harlem Heights after nightfall. The troops there had given the rearguard up for lost and cheered its arrival. Meanwhile, Howe’s main army turned south to secure New York City without opposition. The loyalist-leaning residents remaining there greeted the British as liberators. … “Nothing could equal the Expressions of Joy, shewn by the Inhabitants, upon the arrival of the King’s officers,” Serle wrote. They “behaved in all respects, Women as well as Men, like overjoyed Bedlamites.” — Edward J. Larson, Declaring Independence, 256