John Hamilton (Loyalist) facts for kids

John Hamilton (died December 12, 1816) was a military officer who served in the British Army. He was the leader of the Royal North Carolina Regiment. This group was made up of Loyalist volunteers during the American Revolutionary War. Loyalists were people who stayed loyal to Britain during the war. Hamilton led his soldiers from 1777 to 1783.

Before the war, Hamilton was a successful merchant in Halifax, North Carolina. He had many business interests across the Province of North Carolina. Hamilton led his troops in several important battles. These included the battles of Briar Creek, Camden, Guilford Courthouse, and Yorktown. After the war ended, Hamilton became a British consul in Norfolk, Virginia. He was one of only three Loyalists to get such a job in the new United States.

Early Life and Business Adventures

John Hamilton was born in Scotland. He moved to Nansemond County, Virginia before 1760. Other members of his family already had businesses there. John started a business with his two brothers, Archibald and William. They set up a trading center near Halifax in North Carolina.

Hamilton's business helped many farmers in the growing Piedmont area. He gave them credit to buy supplies. This helped the region grow a lot during the colonial times. His business depended on trade with the rest of the British empire. So, when the American Revolution began, his business success ended.

Serving in the American Revolution

In August 1777, John Hamilton refused to promise loyalty to the new state of North Carolina. Because he was a Loyalist, people were angry with him. Hamilton had to close his businesses in the state. He left New Bern on October 25, 1777, on a new merchant ship. Hamilton and his brother later said they lost about £200,000 because of the Revolution.

Joining the British Army

Hamilton arrived in New York, which was controlled by the British. He worked as a messenger for British Generals William Howe and Henry Clinton. Later, he was allowed to become an officer. His job was to find Loyalist soldiers in the southern parts of the war. His rank would depend on how many men he could recruit.

After the British Capture of Savannah, Hamilton began recruiting. He found about 30 Loyalist survivors from the Battle of Kettle Creek, Georgia. These men formed the start of his "North Carolina Volunteers" regiment.

The Royal North Carolina Regiment

His unit was eventually named the Royal North Carolina Regiment. It grew to have many soldiers. Hamilton and his regiment fought in many battles. These included the Siege of Savannah, Briar Creek, Kettle Creek, Stono Ferry, Monck's Corner, Hanging Rock, Camden, and the Guilford Courthouse.

At Briar Creek on March 3, 1779, Hamilton found a special pair of riding boots. They belonged to Patriot general Thomas Eaton. Years later, in 1809, Hamilton tried to return the boots to Eaton at a dinner party. Eaton reacted angrily and reportedly hit Hamilton with the boots!

Key Battles and Challenges

During the fight at Stono Ferry on June 20, 1779, Hamilton led his regiment in the middle of the British line. They were behind defenses set up to protect the British Army as it pulled back. Hamilton's Royal North Carolina Regiment held strong with another British unit. They defeated the attacking Continental Army forces.

However, at Hanging Rock, Hamilton's regiment was scattered at the start of the Patriot attack. But he managed to gather his men for another stand. Yet, a cavalry charge by militia leader William Richardson Davie broke up the Loyalist units. This allowed the Patriot forces to take things from the British camp.

Surrender and Post-War

Hamilton surrendered his regiment after the Siege of Yorktown. About 80 of his 142 surviving soldiers were with him. After surrendering, Hamilton was sent to Saint Augustine in British Florida. When Florida was given to Spain in the Treaty of Paris (which ended the war), Hamilton stopped any talk of rebellion among the Loyalists. They wanted to stay under British rule. Instead, they were moved to Nova Scotia.

During the war, Hamilton was wounded three times. General Charles Cornwallis once called Hamilton a "blockhead." But later, Cornwallis praised Hamilton for his good behavior and service to the British Army.

Life After the War

The Royal North Carolina Regiment was officially ended in November 1783. Hamilton then went to London. Before 1785, Hamilton got married and had one child. Not much is known about his family after that time.

Between 1784 and 1790, Hamilton tried to get money from the British government. He wanted to be paid for the losses he had during the Revolution. He and his brother eventually received £13,630. In 1790, Hamilton became the British consul in Norfolk, Virginia. He was one of only three former Loyalist military leaders to get a diplomatic job in the United States. When the War of 1812 started, Hamilton was called back to England. He died there in 1816.