The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

The following is said to be Sir Henry Clinton's answer to his Excellency General Washington's letter, (inserted in our last) demanding the murderers of the brave Captain Huddy. We find it in a New York paper of the 21st inst.

SIR, New York, April 25, 1782.

YOUR letter of the 21st instant, with the enclosed testimonials, respecting Capt. Huddy's execution, was delivered to me yesterday, and though I am extremely concerned for the cause, I cannot conceal my surprize and displeasure at the very improper language you have made use of, which you could not but be sensible was totally unnecessary.

The mildness of the British government does not admit of acts of cruelty or persecuting violence, & as they are notoriously contrary to the tenor of my own conduct and disposition (having never yet stained my hands with innocent blood) I must claim the justice of having it believed, that if such have been committed by any person under my command, they could not have been warranted by my authority, nor can they ever have the sanction of my approbation. My personal feelings therefore required no such incitements to urge me to take every proper notice of the barbarous outrage against humanity (which you have represented to me) the moment it came to my knowledge; and accordingly when I heard of Capt. Huddy's death (which was only four days before I received your letter) I instantly ordered a strict enquiry to be made into all it's circumstances and shall bring the perpetrators to an immediate trial.

To sacrifice innocence, under the notion of preventing guilt, in place of suppressing, would be adopting barbarity, and raising it to the greatest height. Whereas, if the violators of the laws of war are punished by the Generals under whose orders they act, the horrors which such measures were formed to prevent, will be avoided, and every degree of humanity war is capable of, maintained.

Could violations of humanity be justified by example, many from the parts where your power prevails, that exceed and probably gave rise to this in question, could be produced. In hope that the mode I mean to pursue, will be adopted by you, and prevent all future enormities,

I remain &c.

(Signed) H. C.

His Excellency General Washington.