295. ALLEN, Protection of Ethan.—
It is with pain we fear that Mr. [Ethan] Allen
and others, taken with him while fighting
bravely in their country's cause, are sent to
Britain in irons, to be punished for pretended
treason; treason, too, created by one of
those very laws whose obligation we deny,
and mean to contest by the sword. This question
will not be decided by seeking vengeance
on a few helpless captives but by achieving
success in the fields of war, and gathering
there those laurels which grow for the warrior
brave. * * * We have ordered Brigadier
General Prescot to be bound in irons,
and to be confined in close jail, there to experience
corresponding miseries to those
which shall be inflicted on Mr. Allen. His
life shall answer for that of Mr. Allen. His
life shall answer for that of Mr. Allen. [22]
—
Congress Resolution.
Ford ed., i, 494.
(Dec. 1775)
