To recant: “To retract; to recall; to contradict what one has once said or done.” -Johnson’s Dictionary of the English Language
I’ve been thinking about recantations — that is, public statements, often in writing, that people made during the Revolution to convince other people that they had changed their ways. Here are some examples:
Whereas, I the subscriber, have, for a long series of time, both done and said many things that I am sensible has proved of great disadvantage to this Town and the Continent in general; and am now determined by my future conduct to convince the publick that I will risk my life and interest in defence of the constitutional privileges of this Continent, and humbly ask the forgiveness of my friends and the Country in general for my past conduct.
James McMaster.
Portsmouth, N.H., May 11, 1775.
Whereas my past conduct hath made an ill impression upon the minds of many of the inhabitants of this Town and Province; and as many view me unfriendly to the rights and liberties of British America, I hereby declare that I am heartily sorry that any part of my conduct should have given uneasiness to any of the friends of America; and hereby engage to aid and assist in supporting the common cause of America to the utmost of my power; and I hope my future conduct will render me worthy of the friendship and protection of this Country.
Thos. Achincloss.
Portsmouth, N.H., May 22, 1775.
Kensington, New-Hampshire, May 27, 1775.
Whereas I have offended the community in times past, by refusing to equip myself with arms and ammunition, and by my opposition to military orders, for which I am sorry: I hereby engage to equip myself according to orders, and be ready to take up arms in defence of my Country, in the present contest between Great Britain and the Colonies.
Ebenezer Loverin.
Why did people write things like this? Sometimes it was because somebody had spread rumors about them, and they were anxious to protect their reputation. Sometimes it was because they had been shunned or boycotted for not complying with things that the Continental Congress said, or for doing things that were politically unpopular. Either way, they did it because they wanted to be safe, respected, and prosperous.