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J. Doyle, (of the British) Deputy Adjutant General, to General Marion Head Quarters, Camp at Ravenels November 20, 1781. Sir: I am directed by Brig. Gen. Stewart to represent to you an outrage that has been committed by a party of your corps, under the command of Col. Maham, upon a parcel of sick, helpless soldiers, in an Hospital at Colleton's House, on the morning of the 27th inst. The burning an Hospital and dragging away a number of dying people to expire in swamps, is a species of barbarity hitherto unknown in civilized nationsespecially when that hospital has been left without a guard for its defencethat could justify an attack upon its defenceless inhabitants. For the sake of humanity, sir, the General is unwilling to believe that such unmanly proceedings could meet your countenance, and he therefore expects that those unhappy sufferers may be sent immediately as prisoners on parole, to prevent their perishing for want of necessaries and medicines. The sick and helpless seem not proper objects for military prowess, and attacks on Hospitals are among your own Continental army hitherto unprecedented. The Hospital at Camden was by Gen. Greene's order, protected, although it had an armed guard for its internal police. I have the honor to be, sir, Your most obedient humble servant, J. DOYLE, Dep. Adj. Gen. (No. 217 From Documentary History of the American Revolution, by Gibbes, Volume 3, p. 213) Doc ID: Gibbes, v. 3, p. 213 Date: 11/20/1781 |
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