CHAPTER V.

The signers of the Declaration of Independence—Their nativity— Injustice of American writers for 80 years—Cast back mis-statements—The Whigs had been U. E. Loyalists—Hancock— Office-seekers—Malcontents stir up strife—What the fathers of the Republic fought for—Rebel committees—Black mail—Otis, John Adams, Warren, Washington, Henry, Franklin—What caused them to rebel—What the American revolutionary heroes actually were— Cruelty, during and after the war—No Freedom—The political mistake of the rebels in alienating the loyalists—The Consequence—Motives of the loyalists—False charges—Conscientious Conservatives—Rebellion not warranted—Attachment to the old flag—Loyalists driven away—_Suppressio veri_—Want of noble spirit towards the South—Effects—Comparison between loyalists and rebels—Education—Religion—The neutral—The professions 46