To this repast Parson Woods, who had been presented to General Carpenter, was invited, and received many compliments on his bravery.
The generals were still at table, when they were informed that a deputation of the inhabitants of the town was without, and prayed for an immediate audience.
Wills guessed their errand, and if left to himself, would have refused to see them. But General Carpenter caused half a dozen of the applicants to be admitted, and then found that their object was to prevent the town from being plundered by the soldiery.
“The pillage has already commenced,” said one of the persons who acted as spokesman, “and unless the men are restrained, all our goods will be carried off. As faithful subjects of his Majesty King George we ought to be protected. We could not prevent the occupation of the town by the rebels, and it will be a great hardship if we suffer for their misdeeds.”
“You must address yourselves to General Wills—not to me, gentlemen,” said Carpenter. “He has had the conduct of the siege.”
“I cannot listen to the appeal,” remarked Wills, sternly. “By the rules of war the men are entitled to the plunder of a captured town, and I shall not restrain them. You profess fidelity to the king, but you have afforded every assistance to the rebels, and if you have not actually taken part with them, you have furnished them with provisions and supplies.”
“We were forced to do so, general,” said the others. “And we earnestly beseech you to spare our property.”
Wills, however, refused to listen to them, and they departed.
Thus was the ill-fated town delivered over to pillage.
Fortunately no excesses were committed by the soldiers all license being forbidden on pain of death.