[v. 3, No.
92.] N. Balfour to the Militia prisoners of
War
CHARLESTON, May 17, 1781.
Gentlemen:
Many have been the representations which the outrages
committed by the American troops, and their violations of
all the humaner principles of war, have compelled me to make
to such of their officers as commanded parties in this
province; but more particularly have I been obliged to
remonstrate against the rigorous treatment, in many cases
extending to death, which the loyal militia, when made
prisoners, most invariably experience.
These representations, gentlemen, having been grounded on
the truest principles of benevolence, and which it behoves
each side equally to have advanced, I was as much surprised
as I was mortified, to find them in all cases practically
disregarded, and in many, wholly neglected. It is therefore
become my duty, however irksome to myself, to try how far a
more decided line of conduct will prevail, and whether the
safety of avowed adherents to their cause, may not induce
the American troops to extend a proper clemency to those
whose principles arm them in defence of British
government.
Induced by these motives, I have conceived it an act of
expediency to seize on your persons, and retain them as
hostages for the good usage of all the loyal militia who
are, or may be made prisoners of war, resolving to regulate,
in the full extent, your treatment by the measure of theirs,
and which my feelings make me hope hereafter be most
lenient.
And as I have thought it necessary that those persons, who
some time since were sent from thence to St. Augustine,
should, in this respect, be considered in the same point of
view as yourselves, I shall send notice there, that they be
likewise held as sureties for a future propriety of conduct
towards our militia prisoners.
Reasons, so cogent, and which have only the most humane
purposes for their objects, will, I doubt not, be considered
by every reasonable person as a sufficient justification of
this most necessary measure, even in those points where it
may militate with the capitulation of Charleston; though
indeed the daily infractions of it, by the breach of
paroles, would alone well warrant this procedure.
Having been this candid in stating to you the causes for
this conduct, I can have no objections to your making any
proper use of this letter you may judge to your advantage,
and will therefore, should you deem it expedient, grant what
flags of truce may be necessary to carry out copies of it to
any officer commanding American troops in these parts, and
in the mean time the fullest directions will be given, that
your present situation be rendered as eligible as the nature
of circumstances will admit.
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant,
N. BALFOUR
(From
Documentary History of the American Revolution, by
Gibbes, Volume 3, p. 72)
Doc ID:
Gibbes, v. 3, p. 72
Date: 5/17/1781
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