American Revolution
The rising tensions in the thirteen American colonies left many Nova Scotia's colonists, particularly those who had recently emigrated from the New England colonies, in a confused state as to where their loyalty lay. Uniacke's father-in-law was an ardent loyalist and made efforts to keep his brethren in the Chignecto region loyal. Delesdernier was instrumental in having a number of the heads of local families sign documents of loyalty. Uniacke was included amongst the signatories. In order to protect themselves from the rising anger and destruction of local rebels, Delesdernier and Uniacke moved their family to Fort Cumberland. Despite Uniacke's apparent loyalty to the Crown of Britain he was soon among those Nova Scotians, under the leadership of Jonathan Eddy, who wanted to join American patriots against the British in the American Revolution. It is uncertain why Uniacke appears on both sides of the British/American revolutionary fight. It may have been shear circumstance that pushed Uniacke to be pragmatic taking a role that would best protect his family. Depending on which side won, Uniacke and Delesdernier would be in positions to ameliorate the others disadvantage. Eddy's initial actions in the area amounted to terrorizing the local population who had not thrown their lot in with the rebels and to isolate Fort Cumberland. Uniacke participated in some of these actions and while trying to commandeer supplies heading for the Fort he was captured. Shortly thereafter he was sent a prisoner to Halifax. Due to his capture Uniacke took no part in the subsequent attack by Eddy and his forces on Fort Cumberland. As a rebel Uniacke faced being charged with treason and if found guilty, hung. It is likely due to his family connections, the fact several military officers in Halifax had been stationed with several of his brothers, and the fact he provided evidence for the crown that led to his release. Despite his near escape from the hangman's noose, the continuing stresses in Nova Scotian society brought about by the ongoing American Revolution, made Halifax an uncomfortable place and he decided to return to Ireland to finish his law studies.
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