Debate Politics Forums - View Single Post - The Road to American Independence: John Adams' Observations

Bodhisattva · 07-11-08, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donsutherland1

I highly doubt that there is any primary source (orders, documents from the American Revolution, etc.) information that substantiates such claims. There is a difference between such sources and revisionist or esoteric commentary published some two centuries after the war.

In any case, I posted applicable orders concerning the conduct of his troops (http://www.debatepolitics.com/histor...post1057660915 (The Road to American Independence: John Adams' Observations)) earlier in this thread.

Orders of George Washington to General John Sullivan, at Head-Quarters May 31, 1779

The Expedition you are appointed to command is to be directed against the hostile tribes of the Six Nations of Indians, with their associates and adherents. The immediate objects are the total destruction and devastation of their settlements, and the capture of as many prisoners of every age and sex as possible. It will be essential to ruin their crops now in the ground and prevent their planting more.

I would recommend, that some post in the center of the Indian Country, should be occupied with all expedition, with a sufficient quantity of provisions whence parties should be detached to lay waste all the settlements around, with instructions to do it in the most effectual manner, that the country may not be merely overrun, but destroyed.

But you will not by any means listen to any overture of peace before the total ruinment of their settlements is effected. Our future security will be in their inability to injure us and in the terror with which the severity of the chastisement they receive will inspire them

The writings of George Washington from the original manuscript sources