The Slaying of Jane McCrea
The murder of Jane McCrea was used as an example of British inhumanity to inspire patriotism during the Revolutionary War.
McCrea was a martyr to the Patriot Cause, despite the reality that she was more closely associated with the Loyalists.
Jane McCrea
Jane McCrea’s loyalties were torn with the outbreak of the Revolutionary War.
Her brothers joined the Patriot Cause, but her fiance signed up for the Loyalist Militia.
Jane decided to support her future husband and traveled to Fort Edward, New York where she stayed with a friend.
The Slaying
During this time, a Native American scouting unit who was fighting with the British came through town.
They massacred a family and ambushed a small group of Patriot soldiers before taking McCrea and her associate (who was a cousin of a British General) and separating them.
From here, the story becomes a bit murky. We do not know exactly how, but Jane was killed. Apparently, the Native Americans who captured her returned with her scalp.
The British Response
To his credit, General John Burgoyne immediately confronted the murderers and threatened their execution.
However, he was persuaded to stay that type of action because the Native Americans might leave their posts, or worse, take revenge on the British.
This tactical decision led to quite a backlash.
The American Response
The Americans were appalled that the British would permit this type of behavior to go unpunished.
Jane McCrea became a martyr for the American Cause (despite the fact that she was in actuality a Loyalist). Her story was used to help recruit soldiers, with the papers inflating her beauty and innocence.
Furthermore, Major General Horatio Gates wrote a letter to Burgoyne which criticized his status as a ‘gentleman’ which was also republished across the country.
Afterwards
The slaying of Jane McCrea did lead to an influx of soldiers across New York, a State that was an important battle ground during the Revolution.
This growth of power was important to the Battle of Saratoga.
Furthermore, the anti-Native propaganda helped persuade support of the Sullivan-Clinton Expedition two years later.
Want to read about other important woman of the Revolutionary Era?
Great! Check out these articles:
Amelia Simmons - The Mother of American Cookbooks
Phillis Wheatley - From Slave Girl to Master Poet
Martha Bratton - Explosions, Death Threats and Huck’s Defeat
Do you want to read the full story of McCrea and her fiance?
‘In The Valley of the Shadow’ tells a more in depth version of this tale.
Pick up a copy through the Amazon affiliate link below…
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