On the record
They can not mitigate it by calling it a self-defense against men in arms, for it embraces the most shocking butcheries of defenseless families.
Source
gutenberg.orgJames Madison: “They can not mitigate it by calling it a self-defense against men in arms, for it embraces the most shocking butcheries…”
Editor's note · Context
Madison argues that the British cannot justify their actions as self-defense due to the brutal nature of their attacks on civilians.
Share
More from James Madison
Jan 30, 1817
Considering that the sum of which the million of livres in question made a part was a gratuitous grant from the French Government to the United States, and the declaration of that Government that that part of the grant was put into the…
Mar 2, 1817
Believing also that the permanent success of the Constitution depends on a definite partition of powers between the General and the State Governments, and that no adequate landmarks would be left by the constructive extension of the powers…
Jan 30, 1817
Considering also the concurring opinions of two Attorneys-General of the United States that the said debit was not legally sustainable in behalf of the United States, I recommend the case to the favorable attention of the Legislature…
Dec 31, 1816
Objects interesting to the United States requiring that the Senate should be in session on the 4th of March next to receive such communications as may be made to it on the part of the Executive, your attendance in the Senate Chamber in…
Other voices in this conversation
