Doubtless the commandant and the higher British officers generally treated the Americans humanely when they were brought into contact with them; and it is not likely that they knew, or were willing to know, exactly what the savages did in all cases.

But they at least connived at the measures of their subordinates.

These were hardened, embittered, men who paid for the zeal of their Indian allies accordingly as they received tangible proof thereof; in other words, they hired them to murder non-combatants as well as soldiers, and paid for each life, of any sort, that was taken.

The fault lay primarily with the British Government, and with those of its advisers who, like Hamilton, advocated the employment of the savages.

They thereby became participants in the crimes committed; and it was idle folly for them to prate about having bidden the savages be merciful.