On This Day January 8, 1776- NJ Governor William Franklin arrested

January 8, 1776 – Not all of the population of New Jersey advocated independence. Governor William Franklin, the illegitimate son of Benjamin Franklin, was a loyalist who supported the Stamp Act. Many of the colonists had emigrated from England and felt a sense of loyalty to the King of England and the English government. On this date, Governor Franklin was arrested for opposing the Revolution. Others, such as slaves, joined sides with the British in return for
promises of freedom.