Moreover Whig leaders in England discouraged enlistment.

They were bitterly hostile to the war which they regarded as an attack not less on their own liberties than on those of America.

It would be too much to ascribe to the ignorant British common soldier of the time any deep conviction as to the merits or demerits of the cause for which he fought.

There is no evidence that, once in the army, he was less ready to attack the Americans than any other foe.

Certainly the Americans did not think he was half-hearted.
The British soldier fought indeed with more resolute determination than did the hired auxiliary at his side.