A month had been allowed by proclamation for the submission of all
persons who had been in rebellion, which submission was to entitle them
to indemnity. But, my Lords, he endeavored to break the public faith
with these women, by inciting the soldiers to make no capitulation with
them, and thus depriving them of the benefit of the proclamation, by
preventing their voluntary surrender.
[_Mr. Burke here read the proclamation._]
From the date of this proclamation it appears that the surrender of the
fort was clearly within the time given to those who had been guilty of
the most atrocious acts of rebellion to repair to their homes and enjoy
an indemnity. These women had never quitted their homes, nor had they
been charged with rebellion, and yet they were cruelly excluded from the
general indemnity; and after the army had taken unconditional possession
of the fort, they were turned out of it, and ordered to the quarters of
the commanding officer, Major Popham. This officer had received from Mr.
Hastings a power to rob them, a power to plunder them, a power to
distribute the plunder, but no power to give them any allowance, nor any
authority even to receive them.
In this disgraceful affair the soldiers showed a generosity which Mr.
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