s dared to authorize and
associate to our arms the tomahawk and scalping-knife of the savage?
to call into civilized alliance the wild and inhuman inhabitant of the
woods? to delegate to the merciless Indian the defence of disputed
rights, and to wage the horrors of his barbarous war against our
brethren? My Lords, these enormities cry aloud for redress and
punishment. Unless thoroughly done away they will be a stain on the
national character. It is not the least of our national misfortunes
that the strength and character of our army are thus impaired.
Familiarized to the horrid scenes of savage cruelty, it can no longer
boast of the noble and generous principles which dignify a soldier. No
longer sympathize with the dignity of the royal banner, nor feel the
pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war that makes ambition
virtue. What makes ambition virtue? the sense of honour. But is this
sense of honour consistent with the spirit of plunder, or the practice
of murder? Can it flow from mercenary motives? or can it prompt to
cruel deeds?"[96]

[Footnote 95: Life of Chatham.--Belsham.]

[Footnote 96: See note No. X. at the end of the volume.]

The conduct of administration, however, received the full approbation
of large majorities; but the triumph these victories in Parliament
afforded them was of short duration. The disastrous issue of an
expedition from which the most sanguine expectations had been formed,
was soon known, and the mortification it produced was extreme. A
reluctant confession of the calamity was made by the minister, and a
desire to restore peace on any terms consistent with the integrity of
the empire found its way into the cabinet.

CHAPTER XI.

Defects in the Commissary department.... Distress of the
army at Valley Forge.... The army subsisted by
impressments.... Combination in congress against General
Washington.... Correspondence between him and General
Gates.... Distress of the army for clothes.... Washington's
exertions to augment the army.... Congress sends a committee
to camp.... Attempt to surprise Captain Lee.... Congress
determines on a second expedition to Canada.... Abandons
it.... General Conway resigns.... The Baron Steuben
appointed Inspector General.... Congress forbids the
embarkation of Burgoyne's army.... Plan of reconciliation
agreed to in Parliament.... Communicated to congress and
rejected..