His Patriot loyalties provoked Shearith Israel to seal its entrance as the British approached, and Mendes Seixas left New York rather than remain under British rule. He rescued the scrolls of the Law and other ceremonial items as he fled for Stratford, Connecticut, where several members of the congregation joined him.
His loyalty to the Patriots led Shearith Israel to seal its entrance as the British army approached, prompting Mendes Seixas to flee New York rather than submit to British rule. He carried the scrolls of the Law and other sacred items with him during his escape to Stratford, Connecticut, where members of his congregation joined him.