1776 Audio Book

Firstly, I'm 45 (today in fact) and not in school, so this is not homework. I'm reading David McCullough's "1776", and loving it--as I love all his books.

I'm up to the point where Washington has reclaimed Boston. It is mentioned that many loyalists left on ships with the retreating Brits, leaving behind their homes and possessions. I must say I found myself sympathizing greatly with the loyal citizens and wonder what side I would have been on. My own uncle crossed the Deleware with Washington--but died less than a week later from consumption.

My question (I get around to it eventually) is what became of the homes abandoned? Did the goverment claim them and sell them? Did someone just move in and claim squatter's rights? How was abandoned property dealt with?

Thanks for your answers. This book is keeping me company as I make Christmas cookies--I've got the audio version read by the author and David's voice is like a warm breeze--as always.

Boston bred lawyers like hogs on a South Carolina plantation. One reason why Boston was a hot bed of Revolution was because of all the lawyers living & especially working. As stated by another answererer the Treaty of Paris tried to address the issue but that fact is that arguments concerning who owned what and who was owed what kept Boston lawyers busy for decades.
Many made a trade off - - - - since many of the Loyalists had Rebel Cousins, titles & deeds were often transferred to those on the winning side. Other property was 'donated' to various Churches since Boston was (is - ?) a religious hub and one could 'trust' the Churches to manage property ownership, many a Church converted Loyalist Mansions into what might be dubbed 'tennements,' renting room/space to others, ensuring a Church income for years to come. Trust one thing thiough, no one 'claimed squatter's rights,' unless one had money & connections (often one & the same thing), no one snagged Boston property for FREE..... Then as now a Lawyer and/or Judge snagged money for their efforts.

Another readable book is by A J Langguth, 'Patriots; the Men who Started the American Revolution,' and Samuel B Griffith 2nd's 'The War for American Independence,' as well as McCullough's 'John Adams.'

Mele Kalikimaka !!! o o o p p o o p p o o

2007-12-22 08:45:03 by lorinhl

Glenn won't be having signings for this one, he explicitely encourages you to read it and pass it on!~ The book is only 6 bucks (paperback ...