For King or Country

War had been raging between the American Patriots and the British Army since the opening battles of Lexington and Concord on 19 April 1775. The 13 colonies in North America were at war with Great Britain.

The Americans (Rebels) demanded independence and the release from the severe restrictions imposed by the British government and the high taxes imposed on the colonies.

Major Philip Van Cortlandt and his immediate family are the focus of our story. He came from a wealthy and educated background, with ancestors who were the founding fathers of New York. We examine the pressure and challenging decisions they faced during these turbulent times. Driven by his conscience and circumstances, Philip joined the New Jersey Volunteers who were part of the Loyalists' Provincial Corps, which fought for the King.

Like many other citizens, he fought against his fellow countrymen and cousins. Because of his actions, he lost his home and lands in New Jersey and New York and the right to live in America.

Philip, with his wife and many children, had to find a new life in a foreign land. This is his story.