The changing political dynamics of Boston were further symbolized by Mackintosh himself. Despite being a hired henchman acting on behalf of the Loyal Nine, Mackintosh took particular pride in his actions, and his opponents certainly took notice of his surging influence. The gang leader reportedly wore a blue and gold uniform with a gold-laced hat into “battle” and even used a speaking trumpet to give directions to his troops.[12] Mackintosh soon came to be referred to as “Captain Mackintosh,” a title used by Bernard himself to refer to the gang leader. [13]
With an acute sense of political savvy, the Loyal Nine recognized that they risked wrestling power away from Bernard and Hutchinson only to lose it to Mackintosh. As Historian Alan Taylor explains, patriot leaders worked “behind the scenes in ways that remain obscure,” ultimately discrediting and scapegoating Mackintosh.[14] The gang leader would eventually find himself in prison over debt, and none of his former employers were inclined to help him. In cutthroat fashion, the Loyal Nine had used violence to undermine the rule of the colonial administrators, whilst simultaneously disposing of the very man that helped them do it. Thus, the group was able to consolidate their power in Boston, but they also experienced a significant surge in public support.
As a result of the Stamp Act riots, the Loyal Nine grew rapidly in membership. Their provocative protest against parliament attracted countless members in Boston who were similarly angered by the legislation. Meanwhile, groups in New York and Connecticut also began to emerge. The surge in numbers meant that the Loyal Nine required a new moniker to reflect their increased membership, and the organization took inspiration from an ironic source. Only a few months earlier, Lt. Col. Isaac Barre, a British parliamentarian, not only criticized the introduction of the Stamp Act, but crucially defended the American colonists who resisted it. Barre powerfully labelled the colonists as “Sons of Liberty,” whilst simultaneously dismissing any notion that such protests indicated disloyalty to the crown. Barre proclaimed that the colonists were “as truly loyal as any subjects the king has.”[15] Thus, in taking on the “Sons of Liberty” moniker, the new group were wisely signaling their intent. At least prior to the War of Independence, the Sons of Liberty viewed themselves as loyal monarchists who were resisting a corrupt British parliament. Such a political stance was a shrewd one as, at least at first, they could take the position of colonial enforcers acting on behalf of King George III, and thus, justify their actions. Such a position, combined with their growing numbers and the fact that Bernard was now a “nominal governor,” would grant them considerable power in the years that followed.