GOUVERNEUR MORRIS TO HAMILTON.
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.