[28] This account is drawn from the animated sketches of Botta (Storia d' Italia dal 1789 al 1814, Tom. III. Lib. 19), Alison (History of Europe, Vol. IV. ch. 30), and Arnold (Modern History, Lect. IV.). The humanity of the last is particularly aroused to condemn this most atrocious murder of innocent people, and, as a sufficient remedy, he suggests a modification of the Laws of War, permitting non-combatants to withdraw from a blockaded town! In this way, indeed, they may be spared a languishing death by starvation; but they must desert firesides, pursuits, all that makes life dear, and become homeless exiles,—a fate little better than the former. It is strange that Arnold's pure soul and clear judgment did not recognize the truth, that the whole custom of war is unrighteous and unlawful, and that the horrors of this siege are its natural consequence. Laws of War! Laws in what is lawless! rules of wrong! There can be only one Law of War,—that is, the great law which pronounces it unwise, unjust, and unchristian.
[29] Agamemnon of Æschylus: Chorus. This is from the beautiful translation by John Symmons.
[30] Mr. Monroe to Commissioners, April 15, 1813: American State Papers, Vol. VIII. pp. 577, 578.
[31] Mr. Monroe to Commissioners, June 27, 1814: Ibid., Vol. VIII. p. 593.
[32] Mr. Jefferson, in more than one letter, declares the peace an armistice only, "because no security is provided against the impressment of our seamen."—Letter to Crawford, Feb. 11, 1815; to Lafayette, Feb. 14, 1815: Works, Vol. VI. pp. 420, 427.
[33] Alison, Ch. 67, Vol. VIII. p. 815.
[34] Alison, Ch. 72, Vol. IX. p. 497.
[35] Napier, Book XXIV. ch. 6, Vol. VI. p. 687.
[36] Ibid., Book XVI. ch. 7, Vol. IV. p. 476.
[37] Hudibras, Part I. Canto 3, vv. 23, 24.