But admonition and reprisal seemed to have little deterrent effect on the Germans. “They were unfortunately led to believe before they left the province of Hesse-Kassel that they were to come to America to establish their private fortunes,” Osborn wrote, “and hitherto they have certainly acted with that principle.” Ambrose Serle told his diary in October, “They spare nobody, but glean all away like an army of locusts.” The avowed British intent to restore order and protect loyal subjects had begun to ring hollow: winning hearts and minds, Howe and his lieutenants knew, was difficult when
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