> how little has been the effect of this example on the conduct of the enemy！
they have retained as prisoners of war citizens of the united states not liable to be so considered under the usages of war.
they have refused to consider as prisoners of war， and threatened to punish as traitors and deserters， persons emigrating without restraint to the united states， incorporated by naturalization into our political family， and fighting under the authority of their adopted country in open and honorable war for the maintenance of its rights and safety. such is the avowed purpose of a government which is in the practice of naturalizing by thousands citizens of other countries， and not only of permitting but compelling them to fight its battles against their native country.
they have not， it is true， taken into their own hands the hatchet and the knife， devoted to indiscriminate massacre， but they have let loose the savages armed with these cruel instruments； have allured them into their service， and carried them to battle by their sides， eager to glut their savage thirst with the blood of the vanquished and to finish the work of torture and death on maimed and defenseless captives. and， what was never before seen， british commanders have extorted victory over the unconquerable valor of our troops by presenting to the sympathy of their chief captives awaiting massacre from their savage associates. and now we find them， in further contempt of the modes o