When the war of the American Revolution broke out, those who were still loyal to the crown were called “Loyalists” in most places. In this neck of the woods, they were often called “Pine Robbers” or “Refugees”. Whether “Refugee” John Bacon was a loyal English patriot, an enemy of the American Revolution or merely a scoundrel or opportunist, depends upon one’s point of view, but according to all accounts, he was daring and fearless.
It is not known whether he was given his title of “Captain” as a commission, or whether he just gave it to himself. Edwin Salter, in his History of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, speculates that refugee leaders in New Jersey, including John Bacon, held commissions from the Board of Associated Loyalists, the president of which was William Franklin, the last British governor of New Jersey.
Bacon appears to have confined his operations primarily to the lower part of old Monmouth County between Cedar Creek and Tuckerton. His efforts were mainly directed to plundering the dwellings of all well known active members of the old Monmouth Militia. He and his men were all well acquainted with the roads and paths through the forests, and had numerous hiding places, including cabins, caves, and such in the woods and swamps, where they could hide until some trustworthy spy informed them of a safe chance to venture out on what, according to Salter, was then termed a “picarooning expedition”.
This Whereigo will visit a few locations where John Bacon and his men were involved in significant events. This is a driving Whereigo. Plan to spend 1.5 - 2 hours completing this Whereigo. When you visit the final location you will be given the coordinates to the container and log.
Note: several of the Whereigo pages might require you to scroll down to see the complete page.
Download the cartridge here: http://www.wherigo.com/cartridge/details.aspx?CGUID=bcb25fb2-f8a1-4d25-8a66-fea2a03ccc04