Kingston, 26 March, 1777.
Sir:
By unavoidable incidents, this letter is delayed beyond the usual
time; for which I assure you I am extremely sorry. Your favor gave
great pleasure, as well to the committee as to several members of the
House, who are much pleased with your judicious caution, to distinguish
between what you sport as your private opinions, and the weighty
sentiments of the General.
No circumstance could have more contributed to our happiness, than to
hear of the General’s recovery; which, believe me, gave universal joy.
Be pleased to make my most respectful compliments to his lady.
That the enemy are willing to desert, can hardly be doubted; and a
variety of sufficient reasons may easily be assigned.
Want of success is not among the least considerable: add also the want
of pay, the want of plunder. I think the situation of the enemy clearly
demonstrates the want of political wisdom, and knowledge of war, at
the fountain head. To pass over the succession of other blunders
they committed, from their attempt on Long Island to their present
disposition, their treatment of the soldiery is a monument of folly.
First, to prevent their foreign mercenaries from deserting, they kept
back arrearages of pay. And secondly, to prevent mutiny, and silence
murmurings, they allowed the plundering of a country they intend to
conquer. Here common sense alone would have informed them, had they
listened to her dictates, that by irritating they would never subdue;
and that an indulgence in excesses would relax all discipline. Taught
by experience, they begin now to wind up the cords; but as it was said
of James the First, they are always either too high or too low. Instead
of liberal discipline, they ask servile obedience. Would it not be
wise to meet this with taunting insult? To encourage our men in abuse
of them, as poor slaves, hired without pay, yet not daring to vent a
complaint; and contrast the different situations: at the same time
inviting them to come and taste the air of freedom? The English are the
proudest people on earth.
You will hear more of a little expedition against Peekskill at Head
Quarters than I can tell you. I suppose it is intended as a diversion;
if so, it is a ridiculous one.
I am, &c.,
Gouv. Morris.
Col. Alex. Hamilton.