James Moody

James Moody ( – April 6, 1809) was a loyalist volunteer during the American Revolution who became a farmer and political figure in Nova Scotia. He represented Annapolis County in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 1793 to 1806. He wrote one of the most important loyalist memoires of the war. Career He was born in Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, on January 1, 1744, the son of John Moody. His first wife was Elizabeth Brittain (1748–1782). James and Elizabeth had three children including a son John born March 6, 1768, and a daughter Maria born on February 28, 1775. Records for the other child have been lost. His father-in-law William Brittain (1725–1804) was an outspoken Loyalist, though only the three youngest of his six sons were also Loyalists. By 1777, James and his family were living on a 500-acre farm owned in his father's name, but for James' use. On Sunday, March 28, 1777, a Patriot militia came to his house to arrest him because he refused to give up his allegiance to Britain and swear loyalty to the United States. Shots were fired, but he managed to escape. In April 1777, he joined the New Jersey Volunteers under the command of General Cortlandt Skinner. On 22 August 1777, his battalion fought in the Battle of Staten Island, losing 30 men. In 1780, Moody led several men to free eight Loyalist prisoners held in the Sussex County Courthouse in Newton, Sussex County, New Jersey. Moody freed the men and fled with them. Despite a pursuit lasting several days, Revolutionary forces failed to capture them.