The Saber and Scroll
Cornwallis learned too late that the militia , although not as dependable as many Continental officers would have liked , were effective in their way because they were adept at moving in remote regions in ways a conventional army did not . He would conclude that militia were “ the most troublesome and predictable elements in a confusing war .” 14 The militia and partisan leaders eroded the confidence of Tory citizens and challenged the British to protect their loyal subjects . Even worse , many Loyalists were determined to exact revenge against their Patriot neighbors . This violence produced vicious retal-
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