Van Schaack maintained neutrality during the American Revolution, but was eventually branded a loyalist - a description he rejected. In January 1776, he wrote that he believed the colonies to be part of the British Empire and subordinate to Parliament, but that he also believed that there needed to be a check on the powers of Parliament regarding the colonies and expressed hope that the conflict would lead to the establishments of such a check. Van Schaack was committed to seeking a peaceful resolution to the hostilities, and he refused to take up arms because he feared the consequences for his countrymen.