Database: A town under siege

Relations were tense between the Bostonians and the nearly 3,000 British troops, the infamous "Redcoats", who were garrisoned in Boston during the siege. Leaving the town was forbidden at first while the growing effects of the siege, including restrictions and shortages, caused disease and despair. The harsh winter season did not help. When part of the population was finally authorized to leave, Boston turned into a semi-deserted town with desperate Redcoats looting the houses and shops. People who remained in the city were suspected of being agents of the Patriot cause and suffered abuse as a result.