"July 20.-- We
have just seen a rebel newspaper which contains a very curious article
relative to the late attack on Stony Point. The article is written in
that turgid style, and in that little spirit of triumph, which
distinguish almost all the rebel publications, on the acquisition of any
trifling advantage; and is at once a just sample of the eloquence and
temper of the rebels...
...Our writer goes on
to extol the ""humanity of the rebels" and contrasts it
with the "savage barbarity of burning unguarded towns, deflowering defenseless
women,"" &c. As far as truth will permit, I am
willing to believe, for the honour of America, that the rebels on this
occasion relaxed in their usual barbarity. As it is the first instance,
it should be recorded, though it would have lost nothing had it been
expressed in less exaggerated terms.
The rebels have
hitherto been infamous for their wanton cruelties. Their brutal
treatment of Governor Franklin, and many other persons of distinction
whom I could mention, -- their barbarity to loyalists in general, and at
this present hour -- hanging men for acting according to the dictates of
conscience -- whipping men almost to death because they will not take up
arms - - publicly whipping even women, whose husbands would not join the
militia -- their confiscations, fines, and imprisonments; these things
which they daily and indubitably practice, very ill agree with the
character of humanity so lavishly bestowed on them by this writer.
Nothing but a long, very long series of conduct the reverse of this can
wipe off the infamy which they hereby incurred.
The charge of
"deflowering defenseless women" is one of those deliberate,
malicious falsehoods which are circulated by the rebels, purely to
incense the inhabitants against the British troops. As to burning
"unguarded towns," this writer should know that the King's troops burn no houses except public magazines, and those from which they
are fired at, or otherwise annoyed. This was lately the case at
Fairfield and Norwalk, the towns to which, I suppose, the author
alludes; and when houses are thus converted into citadels, it is
justifiable to burn them by the rules of war among all civilized
nations.
New Haven was in the
possession of the King’s troops, yet they did not burn it. The reason
was, they were not fired at from the houses during their approach to, or
retreat from, the town. Some of the inhabitants, however, did what would
have justified the British troops in consigning it to the flames.
Sentries placed to guard particular houses have been fired at from those
very same houses, and killed. An officer of distinction took a prisoner
who was on horseback, and had a gun; the prisoner apparently submitted,
but watching for an opportunity, he discharged his gun at the officer,
and wounded him. The wounded officer was carried into an adjoining house
to have his wound dressed; the owner of the house seemed to be kind and
attentive to the officer; the latter, in gratitude for his attention,
ordered the soldiery, on his departure, to be particularly careful of
the house, that no injuries should be offered to it. Yet, no sooner was
the officer gone, and at the distance of fifty yards, than this very man
discharged a loaded musket at him. These are samples of rebel humanity,
which sweetly harmonize with our writer’s sentiments.
This writer, and all
others of his stamp, should remember that the colonies are now in a
state of revolt and rebellion against their rightful sovereign. The
British legislation is unalterably determined to bring them back to
their allegiance. The most generous overtures have been made to them --
a redress of grievances, an exemption from taxes, and a free trade, have
been offered. These liberal terms would indubitably make America the
happiest, freest, and most flourishing country in the world. But the
American Congress have madly and insolently rejected these terms. The
Congress, therefore, and their partisans, are justly chargeable, before
God and the world, with all the calamities which America now suffers,
and with all those other and greater calamities which it will probably
hereafter suffer in the course of this unnatural contest.