6. The Black Brigade vs the Association of Retaliation
Fearful Patriots in Monmouth County set up an Association of Retaliation, and persuaded the Patriot governor to declare martial law. Throughout the opening months of 1780, the Black Brigade’s raids increased in both frequency and intensity, as the fighting between Patriots and Loyalists descended into a cycle of tit-for-tat killings.
In September 1780, Tye led a raid against a particularly vicious Patriot militia leader named Joshua Huddy, who had become infamous for his habit of executing Loyalist prisoners. The raiders captured Huddy, only to promptly lose him when he was freed in a surprise Patriot counterattack. Tye was shot in the wrist during the fight – a minor injury in of itself, but one which soon became infected. He died of gangrene and tetanus a few days later.