UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT DECISIONS ON-LINE
MCILVAINE V. COXE'S LESSEE, 8 U. S. 209 (1808)
8 U. S. 209U.S. Supreme Court
McIlvaine v. Coxe's Lessee, 8 U.S. 4 Cranch 209 209 (1808)
McIlvaine v. Coxe's Lessee
8 U.S. (4 Cranch) 209
Syllabus
On 4 October, 1776, the State of New Jersey was completely a sovereign and independent state, and had a right to compel the inhabitants of the state to become citizens thereof.
A person born in the Colony of New Jersey before the year 1775 and residing there until the year 1777, but who then joined the British army and ever since adhered to the British, claiming to be a British subject and demanding and receiving compensation from that government for his loyalty and his sufferings as a refugee has a right to take lands by descent, in the State of New Jersey. clubjuris