An English Tory in Old Town: an Examination of the Journals of Nicholas Cresswell by Kenneth Bancroft

In the early years of the American Revolution, a young Englishman was caught between his loyalty to the crown and his ambition in Virginia. The Journals of Nicholas Cresswell offer a unique primary source on life in the colonies on the eve of the Revolution from what could be described as a ‘Tory’ point of view. From 1774 through 1777 Cresswell witnessed and wrote about everything from the merchants, preachers, politicians, parades, parties, and the Committee of Safety in Old Town. Cresswell is both entertaining and informative and is an important addition to our revolutionary story. https://sites.google.com/view/alexandria-historical-society/events/revwar-events