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Sir, Wynnesborough, Dec. 27, 1780.
... I can with truth assure yon, Sir, that no man abhors acts of cruelty more than myself, or would more reluctantly adopt measures of severity. The proving to the suffering Loyalists that I am in earnest to protect them, and to retaliate on their inhuman oppressors, is a duty which I owe to my country.
You have been greatly misinformed if you have ever been told that any inhabitant of this country has been punished by us for observing a neutrality ; but you will find instances enough of the most inhuman persecution and even tortures, inflicted on those who refuse to take arms on your side.
I have only to add that I shall observe the same rule of conduct which you do, in the treatment of the officers and soldiers of the army, the militia, and the inhabitants of the country.
I am, &c.,
- Charles Cornwallis
- Source:
- Correspondence of Charles, first Marquis Cornwallis, Vol I, Charles Ross, Esq., London, 1859
