Gen. Lee. I hope so too, sir—if it can be avoided; it's a disgrace to the soldier, and a scandal to the Gentleman—so long as I've been a soldier, my experience has not furnish'd me with a like instance.
Gen. Putnam. I see no reason why he shou'dn't be paid in his own coin.—If a man bruises my heel, I'll break his head—I cannot see the reason or propriety of bearing with their insults—does he not know it's in our power to retaliate fourfold?
Gen. Lee. Let's be good natur'd, General—let us see a little more of it first——
Gen. Putnam. I think we have seen enough of it already for this twelve-months past. Methinks the behaviour of Lord Boston, the ill treatment of poor Allen, to be thrown into a loathsome dungeon like a murderer, be loaded with irons, and transported like a convict, would sufficiently rouse us to a just retaliation—that imperious red coat, Carleton, should be taught good manners—I hope to see him ere long in our College at Cambridge——
Gen. Lee. I doubt; he'll be too cunning, and play truant—he has no notion of learning American manners; ev'ry dog must have his day (as the saying is); it may be our time by and by—the event of war is uncertain——
Gen. Putnam. Very true, sir; but don't let us be laugh'd at forever.
Enter an Officer in haste.
Officer. Sir, a messenger this moment from Quebec waits to be admitted.
Gen. Washington. Let him enter.
[Exit Officer.