Gen. George Washington. What he thought about the current atrocity.

[Bonhomme Richard]

An excerpt from the book Washington's Crossing by David Hackett Fischer.
' Washington announced, "It is expected that humanity and tenderness to woman and children will distinguish brave Americans, contending for liberty, from infamous mercenary ravagers, whether British or Hessians." Other orders went out for the care of prisoners of war. Washington and his officers set a high standard in their treatment of Hessian captives in Trenton. He issued instructions that "the officers and men should be separated. I wish the former may be well treated, and the latter may have such principles instilled in them during their Confinement, that when they return, they may open the Eyes of their Countrymen."
Not all Americans wanted to do these things. Always some dark spirits wished to visit the same cruelties on the British and Hessians that had been inflicted on American captives. But Washington's example carried growing weight, more so than his written orders and prohibitions. He often reminded his men that they were an army of liberty and freedom, and that the rights of humanity for which they were fighting should extend even to their enemies. Washington and his officers were keenly aware that the war was a contest for popular opinion, but they did not think in terms of "images" or "messages" in the manner of a modern journalist or politician. Their thinking was more substantive. The esteem of others was important to them mainly because they believed that victory would come only if they deserved to win. Even in the most urgent moments of the war, these men were concerned about ethical questions in the Revolution.' end

I imagine that General Washington is currently weeping.
Sorry about the long read but I thought it important gaining someone else's perspective.

[nealmhughes]

1. Tens of thousands of German POWs wanted to stay in the US and did,

married US citizens and have families in the US now.