When the early war policy was administered by Howe, the Crown's need to maintain Loyalist support prevented it from using the traditional revolt suppression methods.Black 2001 [1991], p. 14 The British cause suffered when their troops ransacked local homes during an aborted attack on Charleston in 1779 that enraged both Patriots and Loyalists. After Congress rejected the Carlisle Peace Commission in 1778 and Westminster turned to "hard war" during Clinton's command, neutral colonists in the Carolinas often allied with the Patriots.Black 2001 [1991], pp. 14–16 [16], 35, 38 Conversely, Loyalists gained support when Patriots intimidated suspected Tories by destroying property or tarring and feathering.Calhoon 1973, p.
When the early war policy was administered by Howe, the Crown's need to maintain Loyalist support prevented it from using the traditional revolt suppression methods.Black 2001 [1991], p. 14 The British cause suffered when their troops ransacked local homes during an aborted attack on Charleston in 1779 that enraged both Patriots and Loyalists. After Congress rejected the Carlisle Peace Commission in 1778 and Westminster turned to "hard war" during Clinton's command, neutral colonists in the Carolinas often allied with the Patriots.Black 2001 [1991], pp. 14–16 [16], 35, 38 Conversely, Loyalists gained support when Patriots intimidated suspected Tories by destroying property or tarring and feathering.Calhoon 1973, p.