I represent David Holmes. I was a resident of Pensacola during the British colonial period. I was a Loyalist refugee, coming down along with countless others, seeking sanctuary from the American rebellion taking over the other colonies to the north. In September 1776, I petitioned for 500 acres on the Escambia River. This petition told how I fled South Carolina earlier that year and that I had suffered great material loss due to my loyalty to the Crown. When the ship Inverness was burned in Savannah harbor, I was out 1400 pounds sterling from that alone, not to mention the plantation, cattle and horses I left behind in South Carolina. My petition was based on myself and 22 enslaved people. I appeared on the listing of inhabitants of the town of Pensacola in February 1780, but I died soon thereafter. There was another petition dated December 1780 by Margaret Holmes, my widow; and Robert Holmes, my brother, regarding the sale of a lot.
Sources: 6, 7, 12, 17, 32, 80