New-York daily tribune., 1842-12-15
Political HHisrory....Ne. Nv.
Prepared for The Tribune by E. wlLLlAms.l

Political History. mo. Nv.
Prepared for The Tribune by e. WILLIAMs.l
TORIES OF THE AMERICAN REvoLvrIos-THElR CosDI-
TIoN AND POLITICAL CouRsE.
The Tories Of the Revolution, at the close of the
contest which established American Independence,
it may well be supposed, found themselves in an
awkward situation, when the shield Of British pro-
lection was withdrawn. They were however, re
duced to the alternative of exng themselves from
their native land, or of encountering popular pre-
judice among their countrymen, if they remained
in the country; the absentees forfeiting their
,ates by coniscation if they had gone into volun,a
ry exile before the close of the Many of thos,
who had spent the years of the Revolution in En-
gland or the British Provinces, returned, after Tn,
Peace to the United States, and were permit.
ted, unmocsed, to resume their occupations in bu
siness, or to enjoy the incomes OF their estates
These Tories, and those who had remained here
during the War, naturally divided themselves po-
litcalIy into three classes, as follows:
First. Those who disdained to be called either
Republicans or 20 Federalists," and who, cher
ishing the appeauon Of Royalists," located theu-
Selves according to their own liking, in the cities
and towns, and taking no part in elections, wearing
the costume of English gentlemen Of the old school,
theirpowdered wigs, cooked hats, and peculiar
nsrs, marking themas distinguished from the
fellow citizens. Some of the present generation
will recoect persons of this class, now nearly, if
not quite, extinct. They were an inoffensive Sc
of men, and rather interesting as relics of the old
Colonial times, keeping the Kings birthday, and
- - be
Third, on all suitable occasions.
Second.-Those who, from mischievous or other
motives, fell into the ranks of the AntiF ederaliss,
many of them probably preferring anarchy and
confusion to an efficient republican form Of govern
ment, as desired by the trainers of the Constitu'
,ion. Some of these Tories, it is said eventually
became violent Democrats; possibly from SIM
liar causes to those which operate on those citi-
zens in our day, who, calling themselves Monarch
lists, always vote on the ultra Democratic side
that say they, being nearer approach to mon'
archy than either Whigism or Conservatism. This
class of Tories having been numerous in Suffolk
and some other Counties in this State, which al
an early period gave Ant-Eederal Hajerites, is
circumstance which has attracted the attention OF
careful observers. 1t should, however, be noticed
that Mr.. Davis in his Life of Burr, takes differ
ent view of the matter, and attributes the strength
Of the Federal party in the City of New-York and
some other parts of the State to The aid they de-
rived from the Tories. To this other politicians
demur, remarking that, as the existence Of the
Jews is living proof Of the truth of the Scrip
lures, may now see, in the ranks of the
modern ultra Democracy, many of the lineal de-
scendants of the Refugees and the Cowboys
who are vociferous in their support Of ultra men
and measures, and who lay Legitimate claim to
'tthe spoils of victory calling upon those who
are of the lineage of the Patriots of the Revolution
TO stand aside.
Third-Those who, returning from exile, OF
having remained in this country, had refused to
take up arms against the British, after the close
of the war mingled with their fellow citizens, and
submitting to the change of circumstances. took
part in the efforts TO establish an energetic Ma
,ional Government. joining for that purpose with
the Federalists, and thus becoming members OF
that party. Mr. Peter Van Setback of Columbia
County, whosc life has been lately written and pub
lished by his son, was one of this class. He was
supported as one of the candidates for Delegates
TO the State Convention which adopted the Consti-
tuition in 1883. but as the AntFederalists were in
the majority, he, with others on the Federal Ticket,
was UNSUCCESSFUL The memsirs of Mr.. Van
Schaack are interesting, and the excellence of his
private character is attested by Judge Spencer,
Chancellor Kent Judge vauderpoel, and others,
The AntiFederalists endeayored TO turn the
popular odiam existing that time against the
Tories to the prejudice of their political opro
nents, as will De seen by the following extracts
IRON appeals in newspapers Of those times
From The Ncw,Yo,k Journal and Patriotic Register
April, l78S -
nc Sons OF libery t~no called unoa m CON-
ne sasttersd aitess sud sanRers who have bv
as eoaFfey % cur eeeasry accepted as c,izsns a
therefore invite al ah ior the pe,re nhsr,., 80 @
honor OF @ state, 70 vote ,he (oioysiny
Nemcers OF The Legislature: N>''A ~
Assenblp.
William Dennng, Henry Rutgers, Marine, vn,o,,
Melanciou Smi,h, Gso'l w Ludlow Aaron Rr--' ''
lsaac Stouteaourgh tn B. S,oughtou Nicho,a, s,v,an
The above ticket cannot have received NOV.
than about 200 .o,es, tho Federal ticket re.
ceived from l. 400 TO l,500 out of 1850 votes, the
whole number then pollea in the city. The Son.
of Liberty are noticed in the publications of l7s;
as society then in existence.
From the New.York Journal April. l7s7.
TO the Electors Of Neg Ycrs:
Electors aiIeId-p-ay deliver your votes
Bewsr~ OF those it.ts that made by inrn-ceats
Base Tories we call ,hrm-a pitiiui crew.
Who every vii. measure ,as eias wiiipurSne-
The following of the votes peiied al tna
election IA CoiumbS County: