Colonel Tye

Colonel Tye, also known as Titus Cornelius(c. 1753–1780), was a slave of African descent in New Jersey who achieved notability during the American Revolutionary War by his leadership and fighting skills, when he fought as a Loyalist. He was one of the most effective guerrilla leaders opposing the American rebel forces in central New Jersey.

Although never commissioned an officer by the British Army, which did not appoint blacks in such positions, Colonel Tye earned his honorary title as a sign of respect for his tactical and leadership skills. His knowledge of the terrain in Monmouth County, New Jersey was integral to his success. As the commander of the elite Black Brigade, he led raids against the American rebels, seized supplies and assassinated many American leaders during the war. He provided substantial aid to the British. His aid to the British in New York City helped them withstand a siege by American forces under Gen. George Washington.

Titus was originally owned by John Corlies, a Quaker in Monmouth County. Corlies held slaves despite his religion's increasing opposition to slavery. It was Quaker practice to teach slaves how to read and write and to free them at age 21. Corlies refused to do so, and he was known to be hard on his slaves, severely whipping them for minor causes.