Lord Dunmore, the royal governor of Virginia, issued a proclamation in 1775 offering freedom to enslaved individuals who escaped from rebel masters and joined the British forces. This appeal targeted enslaved people seeking liberation, presenting the British army as a means to achieve their freedom. Dunmore's proclamation significantly influenced many enslaved individuals to fight for the British, as it promised them a chance for emancipation in exchange for military service. This move aimed to undermine the colonial rebellion while bolstering British troops with additional manpower.
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