In spite of an offer by Elijah Clarke to leave non-combatant families alone, Cornwallis pursued a destructive campaign in the South. There were no neutrals -- even the Quakers at Wrightsborough were deemed enemies by both sides.
Charleston fell to the British in May, and more than 5,000 Rebels became prisoners of war. What was their fate?
The Loyalist Georgia Legislature passed a “Disqualifying Act” confiscating the property of men deemed Rebels. Some challenged their disqualification successfully with interesting depositions.
Hear the cries of Rebels and Loyalists settlers alike, as they became prey of banditti and plunderers. Facing starvation, families abandoned the Ceded Lands for what they hoped would be safety. Read their stories as they were never told in your Georgia history books at school.