Grants owners tried to settle their disputes peacefully in the New York courts. They lost. Most were not willing to give up the lands they worked so hard for and many refused to compromise with Yorkers. They were suspicious of New York authorities, considering them aristocratic and self-serving. Many also disapproved of the manorial system of land ownership prevalent in New York. When Yorkers showed up to survey or claim someone’s land they were met by armed men. The homes of some Yorkers who managed to settle in the area were destroyed and the inhabitants were beaten and banished.
Though many Grants settlers didn’t approve of the violence, they felt abandoned and betrayed by their government. Upon the call for independence from Great Britain they were quick to join the cause feeling they were not being well represented by the Parliament and King.
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