In such a struggle, coming upon an unprepared people of the habits and in the circumstances of the colonists, this relaxation was inevitable.

It was likewise inevitable that, as the war continued, there should be in both national and state governments, and in all directions, many shortcomings and many lamentable errors.

But for the treatment accorded the army, no such excuse can be made, and no sufficient explanation can be offered.

There was throughout the colonies an inborn and a carefully cultivated dread of standing armies and military power.

But this very natural feeling was turned most unreasonably against our own army, and carried in that direction to the verge of insanity.