Lord Samuel Gambier

Montfort Browne and the American attack

1776: "Although warned by General Gage and Captain Andrew Shaw against the American rebels, Browne made no preparations. The rebels easily seized New Providence. John Gambier, Lieutenant-Governor, Samuel Gambier and others of the Council launched serious charges against Browne's misconduct and inaction, while Browne accused them of entertaining the rebels. Taken by the rebels, Browne spent over a year in America. He was finally recalled to face the charges and was not reinstated.
External affairs greatly influenced the events of the Bahama Islands. It was in time of war, especially during the Seven Years War (1756-1763) and the American War of Independence (1775-1783) that the Bahamians had a chance of doing well by privateering.

Samuel Gambier, Judge of Vice-Admiralty Court, Acting Governor (1758-1760): Samuel Gambier was accused of profiting through privateer interests. Removed from the Judgeship in 1760 and dismissed from the Council at the same time, he was later reinstated by Maxwell.

American Loyalists: Besides increasing trade and privateering, the American War of Independence, brought many refugees to the Bahama Islands from New York and St. Augustine. The most outspoken Loyalist was James Hepburn, an Attorney from St. Augustine. The effects of the Loyalists were felt in politics in new factional feelings; commercially exports increased; agriculture was given a new impetus with the cultivation of cotton; socially the Loyalists introduced the conception of plantation life and a new relationship of master and slave. While the white population doubled, the black population trebled." more at https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C4214