Attached is a fascinating little petition presented by Robert Cowan, Justice of the Peace of Bedford county, and unrepentant Loyalist, to the Parliament in England. Cowan returned to Bedford (1778-79?). He apparently continued his Tory ways and was later involved in another conspiracy against the Arsenal in New London. This was in 1780-81? when British troops were approaching the Piedmont from the south and the east. Unfortunately for the Tories, the tide turned in favor of the rebels. Apparently, he eventually reclaimed his estates and all was forgiven after the War. Cowan and others (the infamous John Hook of the "beef' beef, beef" case) filed lawsuits against Charles Lynch and the other "vigilantes" for arresting them. Supposedly, Cowan was fined 20,000? pounds and may have been lashed. The new legislature passed a bill exempting the vigilantes from damages and absolving them of any wrong doing. Cowan became guardian to four Irvine stepdaughters and I guess they lived happily ever after. There are a few pages about this conspiracy in a little book called "Piedmont Apocalypse." We forget sometimes, that many affluent planters wanted to keep the staus quo, and did not support the Patriot cause. Edwin 9Jun1769 Robert Cowan & Elizabeth Irvine (Elizabeth Anthony widow of William Irvine); Isham Talbot, Surety. "Cowan, Robert, Bedford Co., Va. Tobacco planter: settled there with wife and family for 20 years, was a J.P., and had much influence. Refused to take rebel oath, was imprisoned; house surrounded and ransacked; escaped to N.Y. Came from there to England bringing with him bills of exchange which have been protested; With wife and children has deserted a fortune. Memorial: 24 Feb. 1778 London. Granted £100 p.a." Below is a full transcription of the claim. To The Right Honorable The Lords Commissioners of his Majestys Treasury The Petition of Robert Cowan Humbly Showeth That your petition having been settled for near twenty years in Bedford County in The Colony of Virginia, had by his industry and application to the benefits of a Tabacco Planter acquired A compliment and easy fortune, in which he was blessed with his wife and family at the commencement Of the present rebellion. That your petitioner having the Honor to hold a Commission of the peace Under his Excellency, The Earl of Dunmore, hath uniformly acted agreeable thereto, and even Distinguished himself by his loyalty to his Sovereign and attachment to the constitution, and having from A long residence in his County possessed a Considerable Influence over the minds of the people, he exerted It on all occasions, to warn them early in this Unhappy dispute, of the Total Consequence attendant On the destructive measures, which their Leaders have so artfully led them into, A conduct so Invariably pursued, and solely dictated by your petitioners high Regard, for the National Rights of both Countries alarmed their leaders and has been the cause of a most crewel and Inveterate persecution Under which your petitioner groaned, Who thus separated in a manner from the Community For their vengeance, on the pretence of his having Joined the Loyalist in North Carolina under Gen. McDonald had his house surrounded and ransacked by a body of armed men, He hath been several Times dragged before their committee, and at last cited to take the oath of allegiance as a Magistrate Under their usurped power, he refused it with indignation, was deprived of his arms and imprisoned. Your petitioner thus horrified in continual and eminent danger of his life, Understandingly they Intended to Confine him to be tried, as a Traitor to their New Constitution, made his escape >From Virginia, and at last got to New York, from whence he Hath Safely arrived here. Your petitioner having brought some Bills of Exchange for his support in Britain has Unfortunately had them protested, inconsequence of which he is Reduced to much distress, and therefore humbly hopes, that having deserted an affluent fortune with his wife and children, Rather than forego his Allegiance to his Country, Your Lordship will be pleased to take his case into Consideration, and Bestow such relief as you may Judge his Particular Case merits and your petitioner as In duty bound will ever pray yea Robert Cowan