1783] Departure of the Loyalists. 307 The inability of Congress to enforce its ordinances and the stipulations of its treaties brought the country at once into conflict with Great Britain. By the fourth, fifth, and sixth articles of the treaty no impediments were to be put in the way of the recovery of debts; the States were to be recommended to repeal their Confiscation Acts; and there were to be no future confiscations nor prosecutions of any sort against any person because of the part taken in the late war. But the States gave no heed whatever to these articles. The Confiscation Acts were not repealed ; impediments were placed in the way of the recovery of debts; and thousands of Loyalists were driven from the country. Indeed, the ink was scarcely dry on the treaty when the Loyalists, well knowing that its provisions would be set at naught by a people em- bittered by a desperate struggle, began to flee the country by thousands. As garrison after garrison was withdrawn, this flight became an exodus. When Savannah was given up to the Americans, 2000 Loyalists with 5000 slaves sailed away to St Augustine and Charleston. Those who went to Charleston arrived just in time to join the 3000 who fled from that city to Jamaica, St Augustine, Halifax, and New York. During nearly seven years New York had been in British hands. It was situated in the very heart of the most loyal section of the country, near the places where the great battles of the revolution Trenton, Princeton, Saratoga, Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth had been fought, and it became the haven of refuge for thousands of Loyalists. It was the last of the cities to be given up to the Americans, and as such it now became the port to which all Loyalists, eager to depart, turned their steps. The King had offered to transport all subjects who could prove residence within the British lines for twelve months, and show that the houses assigned them were in good repair and that the rent had been duly paid to the provost marshal. His Majesty agreed further to supply them, on their embarkation, with provisions for a year, with twenty -one days' rations for the passage by sea, with clothing for men, women, and children, and with medicines, tools for farming, and arms and ammunition for defence. Such was the press to secure these benefits that the evacuation of the city, which was expected to take place in April, 1783, was delayed till late in November; and December came before the last of the transports bearing the army sailed from Staten Island. During these months 29,000 Loyalists were carried away ; and many more withdrew at their own cost. In all, 60,000 are believed to have left the country for Canada, Nova Scotia, and other British possessions. Their departure was hailed by the American Whigs with unbounded delight. As already remarked, the States declined to carry out the provisions of the treaty with respect to the refugees. When, therefore, the demand was made for the delivery of the eight frontier posts on the American side of the boundary from Lake Michigan to Lake Champlain, the CH. ix. 202
