D DEPOSITED BY THE LINONIAN AND BROTHERS LIBRARY TFg?C% -TW4U:.t.)JUig" ¦TU-'Wy^ REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS GEIEEAL WASHINGTON, ISSUED DURING THE YEARS 1778, '80, '81, & '82, SELECTED FROM THE MSS. JOHN WHITING, LIEUT. AND ADJUTANT OP THE 2ND REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS LINE, AND EDITIiD BY HIS SON, HENRY WHITING. LIEUT. COL, U. 6. AnMY. NEW-YORK & LONDON: WILEY AND PUTNAM. 1844. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1B44, by WILEY AND PUTNAM, In the Cleric's OfRce of the District Court for the Southern District of New York. J. P. Wright, Printer, 122 Fulton St., N. Y. LIST OF CONTENTS. PAGE Introduction xvii ORDERNo. 1. Gen'l Court Martial — Trial of a citizen, J. Murill, giving intelligence to the enemy — sentenced to death — ap proved by Gen. Washington 25 No. 2. Order for a Gen. C't Martial — execution ofMurill postponed. 26 No. 3. Order relative to passes — stragglers — and depredations upon inhabitants ......... 27 No. 4. Order relative to captured provisions . . . .28 No. 5. Gen'l C't Martial — trial of a Paymaster, " dismissed" — also of Ensign , cashiered — sentence to be published in newspapers, &c. — approved . . . . . ib . No. 6. Gen'l C't Martial — trial of Lieut. ; discharged the service — approved 30 No. 7. Order relative to police of Camp — also, for a Board of Officers ......... ib. No. 8. Gen'l C't Martial — trial of Col. W. Cook; reprimanded — Lieut. Erskine ; " dismiss'd with infamy" — approved — in the latter case, " drums and fifes" ordered to attend, to drum Lieut. E. out of Camp . . . . .31 No. 9. Order relative to furloughs and passes — hides — Commissa- ry-Gen'l of Hides, &c 32 No. 10. Gen'l C't Martial — trial of Lieut. Armour— " discharged" — recommended — sentence approved, but remitted . 3'^ No. 11. Order relative to the Guard of Commander-in-Chief . 35 No. 12. Order relative to drinking water of the Camp . . . ib. No. 13. Division C't Martial — trial of Lieut. ; " discharged" — sentence approved ....... 36 No. 14. Order relative to a System of Manoeuvres, Exercises, &c. — to prices of certain articles — purchase of arms from deserters, &c. ........ ib. VI LIST OF CONTENTS. ORDER ''*°^ No. 41. Order relative to Inspectors— Gen'l C't Martial— trial of a Forage-Master — pressing a horse, &c. — sentenced to be " discharged" and pay for horse — sentence approved . 66 No. 42. Order relative to passes signed by Director of Flying Hos pital , ... 67 No. 43. Order relative to discharge of Pay-Master — review of Reg'ts by their Cols, once a week — review of Brigades by the Brig.-Gen'l at least once a fortoight . . . ib. No. 44. Order relative to Forage-M'r-Gen'l — appropriation of wheat fields, &c 68 No. 45. Order relative to a " scandalous publication" — device of the enemy to delude — warning against such acts . . ib. No. 46. Order relative to the use of the name of the Com'r-in-Chief for wrong purposes — an advertisement . . .70 No. 47. Order appointing Lieut.-Col. Fleury Sub- Inspector . . 71 No. 48. Order relative to officers detailed for guard — drafts for Vir ginia Line — complaints of Proprietor of Valley Forge — his property to be respected . . . . . ib. No. 49. Order relative to Brigade Quarter-Masters — how men in Hospital shall be accounted for — Muster Rolls — Musters, &c 73 No. 50. Order relative to " Divine Service" in each Brigade — rea sons for it . . . . . . . . .74 No. 51. Order relative to length guard tour — Brigade exercises . 75 No. 52. Order relative to the observance, by Sub and Brigade In spectors, of the " instructions of the Inspector-General" — no deviations fi-om them 76 No. 53. After-Order relative to the mode in which the Army shall celebrate the " alliance" of France with the U. S the several Brigades to assemble — chaplains to read the " intelligence," " offer up a thanksgiving, and deliver a discourse suitable to the occasion" — salutes by cannon —feu de joie by musquetry — " Huzzas" — who to com mand the Lines ........ 77 No. 54. Order pardoning those condemned to death, " to shew mer cy" on the " truly joyful day" 79 No. 55. Order relative to " oath" prescribed by Congress, to be taken by all Officers of the Army — who to administer it — further pardons, "in the season of general joy," of " all prisoners" — commendation of the performance of LIST OF CONTENTS. Vll ORDEIR PAGE the Troops the day before — thanks to Baron Steuben and his subordinates 80 No. 56. Order announcing the appointment, by Congress, of Baron Steuben, Inspector-General, Com'r-in-Chief to appoint the Sub and Brigade Insp'rs 83 No. 57. Gen'l Officers to meet at H'd Q'rs— Gen'l C't Martial- trial of C apt. — , " for assuming rank of Capt. when a Lieut." and other charges — " discharged the service" — also, trial of Lt. for " striking an officer," &c. — " cashiered" — sentences approved — also, trial of Capt. for " selling as substitutes, men," &c. — found guilty, but excused — sentence approved — practice of "selling" severely reprehended — also, trial of Adj't Thompson for disrespect — sentenced to be " privately reprimanded," — sentence remitted, " in consideration of the conduct towards Mr. Thompson," &c. . . ib. No. 58. Order relative to washing, and to bathing — to huts and tents — Brigade C't Martial — trial of Capt. for "scandalous and infamous behaviour," &c. — sentenced to be " discharged the service" — approved — also, trial of Lt. Carter for neglect of duty thro' misapprehension — to be reprimanded — the reprimand of the Com'r-in- Chief 86 No. 59. Order relative to Officers taking " soldiers as servants," when going on furlough, &c. prohibited — Army may soon take the field — Baggage — Hours of exercise — Hon ors due from Guards of all kinds . . . .87 No. 60. Order to call in all soldiers who are acting as servants . 91 No. 61. Order announcing a resolution of Congress relative to " half-pay," &c. — bounty to soldiers — Army to be pre pared for movement ib. No. 62. Order relative to return of Huts to Q'r-Master-General — Sub Inspectors — Gen'l C't Martial — trial of an artificer — also of S. Raymond for " presenting a loaded musket at Lt. Hammet," — excused, on account of "the ex treme and unpardonable warmth with which the offi cers conducted themselves," &c., but sentenced " to be reprimanded," &c. — sentence approved . . .92 No. 63. Order relative to making paper for Bank Notes — Gen'l C't Martial — trial of Capt, — — for " refusing to do his du- viii LIST OF CONTENTS. PAGK ty when duly notified"— acquitted with honor— Gen'l Washington's animadversions on the sentence— Brigade C't Martial— trial of Capt. , for " gaming," &c.— sentenced to be reprimanded — also, trial of Lieut. , on similar charge — sentence the same — Com'r-in-Chief disapproves the sentences — his remarks upon " a prac tice so infamous as that of gaming," &c. • . .94 No. 64. Brigade C't Martial— trial of two Lieuts. for " not attend ing Parade," &c.— " acquitted with honor"— Gen'l Washington's remarks upon " sickness" as an excuse, when it will be admitted, &c 95 No. 65. Order arranging the commands of the Major-Gen'ls — sup ply of ammunition, &c. — officers to look to the " men's arms and accoutrements." ...... 96 No. 66. Gen'l C't Martial— trial of Lt. , for " propagating a report" as to the cowardice of another officer, &c. — sen tenced to be " discharged the service" — approved . 97 No. 67. Order relative to the police of the Huts . . . .98 No. 68. Order relative to preparations for march — Board of Officers — Court of Inquiry — Brigade C't Martial — trial of Adj't for " furnishing a soldier with the countersign," &c. — sentenced " to be dismissed the service" — sentence approved, but remitted . . . . . . ib. No. 69. Order relative to mode of keeping and rendering accounts by Officers sent on extra commands .... 100 No. 70. Gen'l C't Martial — trial of an Express Rider — also, of a wagoner, for "insulting and knocking Lt. B. off his horse" — latter sentenced to receive " 100 lashes" — ap proved ......... 101 No. 71. Order announcing the sentence of death of a soldier, con victed at a Gen'l C't Martial, of " plundering an inhabi tant," &c. — the time of execution — "the General's de sire to prevent enormities of this kind" — exhortation to officers and soldiers on the subject .... 102 No. 72. Brigade Order relative to issue of flour to powder " men's hair" 103 No. 73. Gen'l C't Martial— trial of Col. Hazen— disobedience of orders — halting the Brigade on a march without orders from Com'g Officer of Division, &c. — facts proved, but "honorably acquitted," as he had orders, &c. — sen- LIST OF CONTENTS. IX ORDER PAGE tence approved by Commander-in-Chief— his remarks as to the duty of an Officer while on a march with a co lumn, &c 103 Major-Gen. Greene's Orders, same date — assuming the command in the absence of the Commander-in-Chief — his caution to Officers, &c 105 No. 74 Gen'l Greene's invitation to Officers of the Day, &c. . 106 No. 75. Gen'l Greene's order relative to march . . . . ib. No. 76. Gen'l Greene's order relative to " burning fences" — Gen'l C't Martial — trial of Major Murnan for " taking posses sion of Chaplain Jones' quarters in his absence," &c. — acquitted — sentence approved ..... 107 No. 77. Gen'l Greene's order commending the appearance of the Troops, &c. — announcing the Treason of Gen'l Arnold — his escape — the capture of Ma.jor Andre — return of the Commander-in-Chief to West Point . . .109 No. 78. Gen'l Greene's order — Brigade C't Martial — four soldiers tried for robbery — convicted — sentenced to death — sen tences approved ........ 110 No. 79. Order announcing the appointment of Col. Pickering as Q'r-Master-Gen'l — thanks of Com'r-in-Chief to Gen'l Greene for his discharge of the duty of Q'r-M'r-Gen'l, and of his " conduct and orders" during his (the Coni'r- ' in-Chief's) absence Ill No. 80. Report of the Board of War upon the case of Major Andre — that he ought to " suffer death" — approved by Com'r- in-Chief — to be carried into execution that " afternoon" — Division C't Martial — trial of Maj'r for embez zlement, &c. — reprimand — Gen'l "thinks the sentence entirely inadequate," &c. ...... 112 No. 81. " Route and order of march" — after orders — Inspectors to look into the state of " the arms," &c. — who are to take charge of the " Flying Hospital" — Officers who are to be in the van and in the rear — members of a Court Mar tial to march with the column . . . . .114 No. 82. Order relative to the march — stragglers — Camp-colormen — artificers, &c 116 No. 83. Order relative to Grand Parade — Posts of different Reg'ts and Corps — destruction of fences, fruit trees, &c. . . 1 17 No. 84. Gen'l C't Martial— trial of Capt for improper- 1 LIST OF CONTENTS. ly "discharging a soldier after being duly enlisted," &c. — sentenced to be " dismissed the service" — approved — trial of a soldier for " desertion, and having counterfeit money in his possession" — sentenced to death — ap proved 118 No. 85. Order relative to converting sheep and calf skins into drum-heads — order of battle — Reports to be made at Head Quarters 119 No. 86. Order relative to sick — return of shirts .... 120 No. 87, Order announcing certain promotions made by Congress — the Resolve relative to " Benedict Arnold" . . . 121 No. 88. Order relative to change of Grand Parade — Prisoners in the Provost 122 No. 89. Order relative to the position of the Light Infantry — ra tions to be furnished to Officers . . . . . ib. No. 90. Order congratulating the Army on the affair at " King's Mountain" 123 No. 91. Gen'l C't Martial — trial of Doct. Sharp — disobedience of orders — found guilty — to be reprimanded — Gen'l " disa grees in opinion with the Court" — trial of Col. Proctor — false musters — improper discharge of soldiers — fraud — false certificates, &c. — acquitted with honor — approved by Com'r-in-Chief — his remarks on vexatious and groundless prosecutions, &c. . . ... . 124 No. 92. Gen'l C't Martial— trial of Col. Sheldon — acquitted with honor — prosecution pronounced vexatious, &c. — ap proved 125 No. 93. Order announcing the Resolution of Congress relative to a new organization of Reg'ts and Corps — the number to be furnished by each State — Officers to meet and agree ¦who are to remain in service, &c. .... 126 No. 94. Order relative to return called for by the Board of War capture of Col. Ogden and Captain Dayton in their beds, &c. — reiteration of orders relative to such captures — also, as to stragglers ........ 132 No. 95. Gen'l C't Martial— trial of Maj'r , overstaying fur lough — sentenced to be cashiered — approved . . 134 No. 96. Gen'l C't Martial— trial of Capt. , for false muster — acquitted— finding disapproved by Com'r-in-Chief.— his reasons ••••-... ib. No. 97. Gen'l C't Martial— trial of Lt. Reeves— breach of orders LIST OF CONTENTS. xi "^"^^ PAG^; in granting a pass — excused — approved — further direc tions as to passes . . , . . . .135 No. 98. Order relative to dress— uniform, &c.— Army soon to serve with the "Allies" — attention to Rules and Regulations. 136 No. 99. Order relative to arms carried off by discharged men — report of a Court of Inquiry relative to Col. Varick . 137 No. 100. Gen'l Howe's order disapproving sentence of a Court on a deserter 138 No. 101. Order relative to a "Forage" by the enemy — to be in readiness to move 140 No. 102. After Division Orders — Gen'l Howe pardons soldiers, upon petition from Officers ....... ib. No. 103. Order for a march — beats — route, &c 141 No. 104. Order relative to march — Light Corps dissolved — thanks to La Fayette — direction to the Light Companies — Bri gade Order — trial of several soldiers . . . . ib. No. 105. Order announcing the exploit of Major Talmadge . . 143 No. 106. Gen'l Heath's orders relative to the Posts in and about West Point 144 No. 107. Order relative to returns to Adj't-Gen'l — a party, " used to threshing,'' to be detailed — Report of Court of Inquiry in the case of Major Franks 145 No. 108. Garrison Order relative to rum 146 No. 109. Garrison Order relative to the discharge of " worst clad " Levies ......... ib. No. 110. Order relative to return of clothing, &c 147 No. 111. Order announcing Resolve of Congress relative to " Half- pay '' — also to horses killed and disabled ia action — thanks of Congress to Major Talmadge and his com mand ......... ib. No. 112. Orders announcing Resolve of Congress relative to con tracts by Officers of the Line — appointment of Geo grapher of the Army — plan for conducting Inspector's Dep't 149 No. 113. Orders relative to Inspections — Returns of them, &c. . 158 No. 114. Orders relative to returns by Surgeons .... 159 No. 115. Gen'l C't Martial— trial of Mr. , Issuing Commis sary — refusing to issue, &c., because the receipt would not be given in "figures" — acquitted by the Court — Com'r-in-Chief approves, but animadverts upon the XU LIST OF CONTENTS. ORDER J"'^"" course pursued by the Commissary, and directs that all receipts shall be " expressed at large by words " — Court of Inquiry, on Col. Thompson .... 160 No. 116. Order relative to a Court of Inquiry 161 No. 117. Order relative to the formation of certain Brigades and Divisions, &c. — Court of Inquiry on Col. Antill . . 162 No. 118. Gen'l Howe's Division Order relative to the " fashion of the Massachusetts uniform "..... 164 No. 119. Order announcing the affairs of Gen'l Sumpter and Lt.- Col. Washington in South Carolina . . . .166 No. 120. Order relative to the "rank of the Massachusetts Regi ments" ......... 167 No. 121. Order relative to tents — covers for camp kettles, &c. . 168 No. 122. Gen'l C't Martial — trial of Capt. for overstaying fur lough — sentenced to be " discharged the service" — ap proved ......... 169 No. 123. Order of thanks to Gen'l Howe for his conduct in suppress ing " Jersey Mutiny" — remarks on the event — exhor tation to the Army — thanks to Gen'l Parsons, Lt.-Col. Hull, and others — enterprize at West Chester . . ib. No. 124. Order directing the formation of Light Infantry Compa nies — size of the men — quota to be furnished by each Reg't 173 No. 125. Order prescribing the instructions to be given to Recruiting Officers . 174 No. 126. Order announcing Resolves of Congress relative to the pav of Officers — Hospital Dep't — commutation of the ra tion — pay of Aids-de-Camp, Adj'ts, &c. . . . 176 No. 127. Order announcing Resolve of Congress relative to " Su pernumerary Officers to each Reg't" .... 180 No. 128. Order announcing the victory of Gen'l Morgan at the " Cowpens" — Col. Washington's capture of Tories . 181 No. 129. Gen'l C't Martial— trial of Lieut for overstay ing furlough — mulcted of pay and subsistence for 86 days — approved 182 No. 130. Brigade Order relative to public worship . . . 183 No. 131. Order relative to Boats— .Resolve of Congress relative to allowance of rations 184 No. 132. Order relative to Contractors — a system for issues of Pro visions 187 LIST OF CONTENTS. XIU ORDER PAGS No. 133. Gen'l C't Martial — trial of Ensign , exceeding limits of his furlough — sentenced to be " mulcted," and be re primanded ........ 191 No. 134. Order announcing the arrangement of the Captains of the Massachusetts Line 192 No. 135. Regimental order for a Reg'l C't Martial . . .195 No. 136. Reg'l C't Martial — trial of a soldier for disobedience of orders — also, for absence from roll call without leave — sentenced to 39 lashes — approved by Col. . . . ib. No. 137. Order relative to " Flags," — despatches, &c. . . . 196 No. 138. Order for a Board of Officers — state of the guards — Chief Physician of the Army . . . . . . ib. No. 139. After Orders — Gen'l C't Martial — trial of soldiers for de sertion, mutiny, &c. ...... 197 No. 140. Order relative to execution of mutineers . . . 199 No. 141. Order relative to a sutler 200 No. 142. Order relative to Pay-Masters — issue of shirts, hats — badges of Serg'ts and Corporals ib. No. 143. Garrison order relative to horses 201 No. 144. Report of Board appointed to determine relative rank of Subaltern Officers, Mass'ts Line . . . .202 No. 145. Order relative to the use of " distilled liquor''. . . 204 No. 146. Order announcing intention of Com'r-in-Chief to review the Army 206 No. 147. Order relative to the state of Hospital .... 207 No. 148. Order commending the condition of certain Reg'ts at re view — the merits and demerits of all to be noticed and published in orders ....... ib. No. 149. Order announcing the birth of a Dauphin of France — the event to be observed by rejoicings .... 208 No. 150. Order that an extra gill be issued to the Troops — Invitation from the Com'r-in-Chief, &c 209 No. 151. Order of the Inspector-Gen'l, as to the salutes, feux-de- joie, &c. ......... ib. No. 152. Order postponing the celebration of the birth of the Dau phin, &c. — " Plan for conducting the rejoicings," &c. . 211 No. 153. Order for the inspection and muster of different corps composing the Army 213 No. 154. Order relative to Detacliments, Guards .... 214 2 XlV LIST OF CONTENTS. ORDER PAGE No. 155. Order announcing the opinion of the Com'r-in-Chief of certain Reg'ts which had been reviewed . . • 215 No. 156. Order of Baron Steuben, expressing the approbation of the Com'r-in-Chief" of the performance of the Troops," &c. — the exercises of the Brigades and Reg'ts . . ib. No. 157. Order commending certain Troops .... 206 No. 158. Order relative to Report of a Board of Officers — arrange ments of Subalterns, Conn't Line — opinion of the Board as to the operation of a Brevet, &c. — promotion of Gen'l Knox 217 No. 159. Order commending certain Troops . . . .219 No. 160. Order relative to the appearance, &c. of certain Troops . ib. No. 161. Brigade Order relative to "honorary marks of distinc tion," to be worn by Non-Com'd Officers and Privates, &c 220 No. 162. Order at the close of the review of the Army by Brigades, 222 No. 163. Court of Inquiry ordered by Sec'y of War, relative to a flag of truce — Address of Com'r-in-Chief, in behalf of the Army, to French Minister — French Minister's re ply 224 No. 164. Order of Com'r-in-Chief relative to badges to be worn by Non-Com'd Officers and Privates for meritorious actions, long services, &c 228 No. 165. Order in further explanation of badges, &c. . . . 229 No. 166. Order commending the attention paid to the dress and ap pearance of the soldiers — flour to be issued for men's hair at " General Inspections and Reviews". . . 230 No. 167. Brigade Order, revoking previous order as to badges. . 231 No. 168. Order relative to commands, when a Col. temporarily commands a Brigade— when a Brig'r-Gen'l a Division — still retain their proper commands — exceptions . 232 No. 169. Order announcing the recovery of Georgia from the enemy — Pay-Masters to apply for hunting shirts . . . 233 No. 170. Order announcing the Resolves of Congress relative to certain insidious communications from the enemy as to peace— warns the Army against such attempts . . 234 No. 171. Gen'l C't Martial— trial of Ensign , casting reflec tions on a Regimental C't Martial— reprimanded—sen tence approved— also trial of Ensign , exceeding the LIST OF CONTENTS. XV ORDER PAGE limits of his furlough 485 days — cashiered — sentence approved — pay to stop from expiration of furlough . 235 No. 172. Order arranging the command of the Light Infantry Companies — where to encamp^certain Brigades to be in readiness to march, &c 237 No. 173. Order — the Army being about to take the field under Gen. Washington 239 No. 174. Order relative to the Artillery — works at West Point — horses and wagons 240 No. 175. Order relative to the Luspection of shoes .... 241 No. 176. Order relative to encampment at Verplank's Point — Ar rangement to be furnished by the Q'r-M'r-Gen'l — landings of the Brigades — distribution of boats — oarsmen — examination of ammunition — men's baggage — what they are to take — Returns, &c. — new arrangement of Medical Dep't superseding^ the trial of Doctor — Prisoners, &c. 242 No. 177. Gen'l C't Martial— trial of Major-Gen'l McDougall— sentenced to be " reprimanded by the Com'r-in-Chief in Gen'l Orders " — action of Congress in the case — repri mand of Com'r-in-Chief 245 No. 178. Order announcing the Resolve of Congress, that no Court of Inquiry should be held on the conduct of Gen'l Gates ^o5 INTRODUCTION. It is proper to give some explanation of the origin and autlienticity of the MSS. from which tlie following selection of Revolutionary Orders has been made. Col. John Whiting,* of the 5th U. S. Infantry (who died in Washington, September 3, 1810,) was Adjutant of the 2d Regiment of the Massachusetts Line, commanded by Lieut.-Col. Commandant E. Sproat, He had presented most, * Col. Whiting, in 1775, belonged to a " Minute Company," in the town of Billerica, a few miles north of Lexington, and, on the morning of the 19th April (being then in his sixteenth year), marched side by side with his father (who had served in the " French war of '55"), and an elder brother, to the latter place, and shared in the running fight which the British had to maintain in their retreat from Concord. Im mediately joining the army at Cambridge, he was under Arnold on Lake Champlain in '76, and with Gates' army throughout '77, receiving a commission during the latter year. The remainder of the war, he was with the main army, until Washington took the immediate command against CornwaUis, in Virginia. He retired to private life at the peace ; re-entering the service, on the increase of the army in 1808, as Lieut. Colonel of the 4th Infantry. 3 XVlll INTRODUCTION. perhaps all, of the Orders which his duty obliged him to record; but only a portion of them were found some ten years after his death, when the Editor first determined to take possession of them, and make a selection for pubUcation at some convenient time. He was then (1823) stationed at Old Point Comfort, where he met with Major Gibbons, of Richmond, the leader of one of the Forlorn Hopes at the storming of Stoney Point, who, when informed of the plan, strongly urged its fulfilment, and promised such aid as his MSS. might afford. None was given, how ever, as he probably found himself mistaken as to their extent or condition, or that the dates corres ponded with those in the hands of the Editor. And the kind promise is here alluded to only to show the opinion of a gallant veteran, who had heard these Orders when they first came forth in camp, and whose own name bore the indelible stamp of Washington's public approbation. Soon after the selection had been made, the Editor met with Mr. Sparks, who was then engaged in pre paring the Washington Correspondence for the press, • and, learning from him, incidentally, that the Military Orders would probably furnish matter for a volume, or part of one, the plan here spoken of was, of course, at once abandoned ; and it was not again thought of INTRODUCTION. XlX « until sometime in 1840 or '41, when, finding that the Orders formed no part (excepting occasionally enter ing into notes) of the Washington Papers, the Editor took the liberty of addressing a note to Mr. Sparks, asking his intentions with respect to those Orders, and stating the plan which had been entertained by him self Mr. Sparks very promptly answered that the MSS. of Washington, after his (Mr. S.'s) selec tions were completed, had been deposited in the De partment of State, and that he proposed to make no further use of them ; adding a strong recommendation of such a publication as had been alluded to, and ex pressing an opinion that the Department would allow any contributions, necessary to complete the series, to be drawn from these MSS. This letter of Mr. Sparks, together with an offer of the MSS. in the hands of the Editor, should they be necessary to fill up any hiatus, were submitted to the Commander- in-Chief, with a respectful suggestion that some offi cer, stationed at Washington City, should be requested to compile a complete series of Revolutionary Orders. It is now some two years since this suggestion was made, and, having received no intimation that it is like ly to be carried into effect, the Editor has determined to present to the army the series that has been so long in his possession, believing that, incomplete as it is. XX INTRODUCTION. it will be favorably received, not only by military men, but by a large class of citizens, whose family recollections refer, with pride and affection, to the perilous times so faithfully depicted in these Orders. The selection has been mostly confined to the Or ders which were issued by General Washington. All exceptions are noted. The Division, Brigade, and Regimental Orders, though containing matter that would illustrate the times, the difficulties and priva tions of the camp, and are often full of details that would be looked upon with interest in these after- years, yet have been generally excluded. The wish has been to compress the volume within moderate bounds, and not to embrace any Order that would not seem to throw new light on some military principle or practice, on historical facts as well as traits of character connected with conspicuous milita ry men, on the extreme embarrassments and sufferings of the Revolutionary army, or on the organization of the Revolutionary military establishment ; to present such matter only as is not likely to be found in gene ral history, or even in more particular biographies. It may appear to many that some of the Orders refer to subjects which are too small to merit this late no tice. But others will probably see in these very mi nutiae a new proof of the extraordinary character of INTRODUCTION. XXl General Washington, who, in the midst of his gi'eat concerns, was so mindful of the smallest, seeming to deem nothing beneath his anxious care, which involved the health, efficiency, or reputation of the army, or the rights of the humblest citizen. Nor will there be many who will regard as misplaced those Orders which show the devout reliance on a superin tending Providence, and a profound respect for reli gious observances, that marked the career of this ex cellent man. And few will read, without interest and emotion, those exhilarating Orders, expressed with so much heartiness and simplicity, which announce the French alliance, — an alliance that converted despon dency into hope, — or feel disposed to smile at the kindly enthusiasm with which the birth of a Dauphin of France was welcomed in the republican camp. And all will sympathize with the earnest desire of Washington, that his troops, so imperfectly clad, and so unversed in much of the etiquette of European war, should assume the best aspect in their power, when about to co-operate with those accomplished aUies. It will be seen that Courts Martial proceedings form the main part of the selections. The reason for this will be obvious to any military man. Gene ral Washington's opinions on the bearing of martial XXU INTRODUCTION. law upon army crimes and offences, as well as on the obligations of duty, the scope of command, and the extent of obedience, would be highly valuable un der all circumstances, but become doubly so in the absence of all national authorities on this subject. We have access to British authorities — numerous and respectable — but we have no accessible collection of Courts Martial decisions in our own service. The experience and precedents of that service are almost a dead letter, — almost without any influence over our trials. Each of our courts, when they come into session, are as nearly without proper guidance in these respects, as if it were the first instance of a trial. In this state of almost utter destitution of national author ities as to the practice of military jurisprudence, the many cases here reported, having passed under the revision of General Washington, cannot but be pecu liarly acceptable to the army. No doubt many will be .surprised to find how stern was the martial law during the Revolution, and with what severity its penalties were inflicted ; particularly when they recollect that all orders of men were then in the ranks. But it must be borne in mind that such was the common sternness of the times. The British code had prevailed in the Provincial armies, and continued INTRODUCTION. XXUl to prevail in those of the Revolution. It was not the season to make humane experiments, when every sinew of discipline and efficiency was strained to the utmost. In giving publicity to these proceedings, it has not been deemed necessary to preserve the names of those officers who were the subjects of them, except ing in some instances where the acquittal was hon orable, or the condemnation followed by infamy. The principles developed and confirmed by them lose none of their force by the omission ; while a less considerate course might, by possibility, inflict a wound on unoffending descendants. After the lapse of so many years, such cases cease, in a great degree, to act as personal examples of warning — that effect was produced by the pubhcation at the head of the troops. Some hesitation was felt about inserting the regis ter of the officers of the Massachusetts' Line, found among the Orders ; but, as it is an honorable, and pro bably, rare record, and one to which many may refer with satisfaction, it was concluded to insert it. The regret may be, not that this register is published, but that the list of the other Lines could not also be res cued from oblivion. One further remark is necessary, as to the fidelity XXlV INTRODUCTION. of the copy from the MSS. It is evident from an inspection of these MSS. that they were mostly made up in the hurry of an " Orderly hour." Lapses in phraseology, &c., were often inevitable under such circumstances, and, when there was rea son to suppose they had occurred, such corrections, as clearness of meaning required, were made. In tak ing this liberty, it has not been considered that the original Orders, as they came from Washington, have been changed, but only that such errors, as might naturally creep into transcripts, running through the descending grades from General Head-Ouarters down to Regimental commands, have been corrected. REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS. Head Quarters, Valley Forge, 1778. At a General Court Martial, whereof Col. Cortland was President, 24th ulto., Joseph Murill, an inhabi tant of the State of Pennsylvania, was tried for giving intelligence to the enemy, and for acting as a guide to the enemy. — Found guilty of the last charge, being a breach of the resolution of Congi'ess, of 8th October, 1777,* extended by another resolution of * The resolve of Congress here alluded to, is the following : — " Wednesday, October 8th, 1777. " A motion was made, to prevent an intercourse between the towns in the possession of the enemy and the inhabitants of the country. "Ordered, That it be referred to a committee of three. " The members chosen, Mr. R. H. Lee, Mr. J. Adams, and Mr. Chase. " Four o'clock, P. M. " The Committee to whom was referred the motion for preventing an intercourse between the towns in the possession of the enemy and the inhabitants of the country, brought in a resolution for that purpose, which was agreed to as follows : " Whereas, it is of essential consequence to the general welfare that 4 26 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS Congress, dated December 29th, 1777, and upwards of two-thirds agreeing, sentenced to suffer death. His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief approves the sentence, and orders Joseph Murill to be execu ted next Tuesday morning, 10 o'clock. [2.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge,* March 2d, 1778. The General Court Martial, whereof Col. Cort land is President, is dissolved, and another ordered to the most effectual measures should be forthwith pursued for cutting off all communication of supplies, or intelligence, to the enemy's army now in and near the city of Philadelphia ; and whereas, it has been found, by the experience of all States, that, in times of invasion, the process of the municipal law is too feeble and dilatory to bring to a condign and exemplary punishment persons guilty of such traitorous practices : " Resolved, That any person, being an inhabitant of any of these States, who shall act as a guide or pilot by land or water for the enemy, or shall give or send intelligence to them, or in any manner furnish them with supplies of provisions, money, clothing, arms, forage, fuel, or any kind of stores, be considered and treated as an enemy and traitor to these United States ; and that General Washington be empowered to order such persons taken within thirty miles of any city, town, or place in the States of Pennsylvania, Jersey, or Delaware, which is, or may be, in the possession of any of the enemy's forces, to be tried by a Court Martial, and such Court Martial are hereby authorized to sentence any such per sons convicted before them of any of the offences aforesaid, to suffer death or such other punishment as to them shall seem meet. " This resolve to remain in force until the first day of January next, unless sooner revoked by Congress." » Gen. Washington, at the close of the campaign of 1777, went into winter quarters (according to MarshaU,) at Valley Forge, " a stony piece of ground on the west side of the Schuylkill, between twenty and OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 27 sit tomorrow at 10 o'clock, a. m., at the Bake-House. Col. Chandler is appointed President thereof, and each Brigade will give a Capt. for the Court. The execution of Joseph Murill is postponed to a future day. [3.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, March 3d, 1778. A guard house at the new Bridge, over the Schuyl kill, is to be immediately built on this side. The Officer of the Guard is to suffer no non-commissioned officer or soldier to pass over from the camp without leave in writing from the Commanding Officer of the Regiment. The Ouarter-Master- General is to lose no time in causing this guard house to be built. The General is informed, that, notwithstanding the repeated orders which have been issued to prevent soldiers from strag gling, the country round about camp, and to a con siderable distance, is full of them. He once more calls on the Commanding Officers of Regiments and Companies to attend to the matter, as well to prevent the mischief resulting from this pernicious practice to thirty miles from Philadelphia,'' the 12th of December ; the British, un der Sir William Howe, being then in Philadelphia. The Orderly Books, from which these selections are made, do not go back beyond the date here first given. 28 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS the inhabitants, as to be prepared at all times against any sudden attack of the enemy. [4.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, March 7th, 1778. The Commander-in-Chief orders and directs that captures of provisions, actually going into Philadel phia, must be made under the eye and with the ap probation of a Commissioned Officer, or no forfeiture will take place. Provisions so taken will be for the benefit of the captors, and an authentic certificate of their having been properly taken, from the officers commanding parties, being delivered to the Com mandant, the Commissary of Purchases in camp will pay for them. All officers are strictly enjoined to use the greatest caution in the matter, that it may not be made a pretence for plundering or injuring the well affected inhabitants. [5.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, March 8th, 1778. At a General Court Martial, whereof Col. Bradley was President, 6th inst., Mr. , Paymaster of the 7th Virginia Regiment, was tried: 1st, for neglect of duty ; 2d, for disobedience of orders ; 3d, for leaving OP GENERAL WASHINGTON. 29 camp without settling his accounts, with an intention not to return again. — Found guilty of the charges ex hibited against him, being a breach of article 5th, sec tion 18th, of the Articles of War, and sentenced to be dismissed the service, and that he continue in camp until he settles his accounts with the Paymaster-Gen eral, and with the Regiment to which he is annexed ; and that he pay Lt. Colman his reasonable expenses, incurred in going to York by General Woodford's de sire, to order Mr. to camp. The General the Commander-in-Chief approves the sentence, and orders it to take place immediately. At the same General Court Martial, 3d inst, En sign of Col. Shephard's Regiment, was tried for neglect of duty, and cowardly behaviour, on the night of the 7th Feb'y. — Found guilty of the charges exhib ited against him, being a breach of the 5th article, 13th section, of the Articles of War, and sentenced to be cashiered ; and that, agreeably to article 22d, section 15th, his name, place of abode, and punishment, be published in the newspapers about camp, and the par ticular State to which he belongs or usually resided in. His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief approves the sentence, and orders Ensign to leave the camp as soon as he settles his accounts, and that the remainder of the sentence be put into execution as soon as possible. 30 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS [6. J Head Quarters, Valley Forge, March 11th, 1778. At a General Court Martial, whereof Col. Hubble was President, held at Lancaster 24th ulto., Lieut. of the Pennsylvania Regiment, was tried, for ungentle- manlike behaviour. — Found guilty of a breach of the 21st article, 14th section, of the Articles of War, and sentenced to be discharged the service. His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief approves the foregoing sentence, and orders it to take place im mediately. [7.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, March 13th, 1778. The Commander-in-Chief is informed that, not withstanding his orders of the 7th January last, the carcasses of dead horses lie in and near camp, and that the offal near many of the Commissary's stalls still lies unburied; that much filth and nastiness are spread among the huts, which will soon occasion a sickly camp. Out of tender regard to the lives and health of his brave soldiers, and with surprise that so little at tention is paid to his orders, he again, in the most posi tive terms, orders and commands that the Ouarter- Master-General apply for men from time to time to bury such dead horses in and about the camp, so as to permit none of them to remain unburied, and that he OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 31 compel some of his assistants to see this order strictly comphed with. The Division and Brigade Ouarter- Masters are to pay the strictest attention to it, in and near their respective Divisions and Brigades. The Division and Brigade Commissaries are constantly to bury the offal and damaged provisions which may be found near their quarters. A Board of General Officers will sit tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock at Lord Stirling's Q-uarters, and settle the rank of the Field Officers in the Massachu setts Line. All officers concerned are desired to at tend and prefer their pretensions. [8.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, March 14, 1778. At a General Court Martial, whereof General Mc intosh was President, 10th inst. Col. Wilham Cook, of the 12th Pennsylvania Regiment, was tried for dis obedience of orders, in absenting himself from his Re giment without permission, &c. — Found guilty of a breach of General Orders, of the 22d December last, and contrary to good order and discipline, and sen tenced (on account of some particular circumstances, and on account of the good character he has sus tained as an officer,) only to be reprimanded in Gen eral Orders. At a General Court Martial, whereof -Col. Tupper was President, 10th inst, Lieut Enskline, of Col. Malcom's Regiment, was tried for attempting to com- 32 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS mit ****** with John Monhout, a soldier, and for perjury in swearing to false accounts. — Found guilty of the charges exhibited against him, a breach of ar ticle 5th, section 18th, of the Articles of War, and sentenced to be dismissed the service with infamy. His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief approves the sentence ; and, with abhorrence and detestation of such horrid and infamous crimes, orders Lieut Ens kline to be drummed out of camp tomorrow morn ing, by all the drums and fifes in the Army, never to return. The drums and fifes will attend for that pur pose on the Grand Parade tomorrow morning at Guard mounting. [9.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, March 15th, 1773. Many inconveniences and injuries having arisen to the service from the power exercised by the officers in granting furloughs, the Honorable the Continental Congress, to prevent the hke in future, have been pleased to Resolve — " That thd Commander-in-Chief, or Commanders of all separate Departments, shall have full power and authority to suspend or limit the power of granting furloughs, or leave of absence, and to reserve it wholly to himself, or impart it to such officer or officers under him as he thinks fit, according as he shall judge the good of the service requires ; and that no officer, OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 33 under any colour or pretence of authority to him, granted by the 2d article of the 14th section, or any other articles, of the Rules and Regulations of War, grant any furlough or leave of absence, contrary to the order of the Commander-in-Chief, or Commander of a Department, on pain of being punished for dis obedience. All officers to pay strict obedience to the foregoing Resolve, and no one to grant furloughs or leave of absence, under any pretence whatever, except such as are authorized by General Orders, and they only under such limitations or restrictions as have been or may be appointed by the Commander-in-Chief All passes to soldiers going out of Camp are to be taken from them on their return by the officers com manding Guards, and destroyed. The General observ ing that there is a great abuse and waste of hides fi-om the present mode of leaving them with the Bri gades, till exchanges can be effected, directs in future that the Commissary of each Brigade deliver all the hides produced in the Brigade to the Commissary of Hides, taking his receipt for them, and keeping an account with him for the same. The Brigadiers will still continue their contract as heretofore directed, and for the performance will give orders upon the Com missary of Hides, who is required to make return on the first day of every month to Head Ouarters, of the number and weight of the hides received and issued by him. The most convenient way of delivering hides will be to deliver them daily in the Brigade waggons, at the office of the Commissary of Issues, where they 6 34 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS will be received by the Commissary of Hides, and receipts given for them. The Commissary General of Hides will attend Head Ouarters at 10 o'clock tomorrow. [10.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, March 16th, 1778. At a General Court Martial, whereof Col. Bradley was President, 7th inst, Lieut Armour, of the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment, was tried for behaving in many respects unbecoming a gentleman. — Found guilty of the charge exhibited against him, and sentenced to be discharged from the service. But, in considera- ation of the excellent character given the Court of Lieut Armour in several circumstances, and the mode of prosecution appearing malicious, the Court, in the strongest terms, unanimously recommend him to his Excellency's pardon. The General approves the sentence, but, in consid eration of the Court's recommendation, is pleased to pardon Lieut Armour; — Yet, with abhorrence of such practices as Lieut. Armour has indulged himself in, which are highly derogatory to the character of an officer, he expects this instance of clemency will pro perly affect his future conduct. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 35 [11.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, March 17th, 1778. One hundred chosen men are to be annexed to the Guard of the Commander-in-Chief, for the purpose of forming a corps, to be instructed in the manoeuvres necessary to be introduced into the Army, and to serve as a model for the execution of them. As the Gene ral's Guard is composed of Virginians, the hundred draughts will be taken from the troops of the other States. Description of the men : Height, from 5 feet 8 to 5 feet 10 inches ; age, from 20 to 30 years ; robust constitution, well limbed, formed for activity, and men of established characters for sobriety and fidefity. They must be Americans born. [12.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, March 19th, 1778. The Commander-in-Chief directs that the officers be very attentive to the water they drink. The little springs about camp, from which they have been ac customed to supply themselves during the winter, will, in their present state, become extremely impure and pernicious during the approaching warm season. As it is a matter essential to health, it is expected that officers will, without delay, take measures to provide 36 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS good water for their men, by having the springs opened and cleaned, and wells sunk in proper places, with barrels to preserve them, taking care to have them frequently emptied and cleansed, to prevent an accumulation of filth. [13.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, March 20th, 1778. At a Division Court Martial, whereof Major John ston was President, 15th inst, Lieut of Col. Angell's Regiment, was tried for refusing to go on a tour of duty, when properly warned, and for saying he would feign himself sick, and that he would suffer himself to be cashiered with infamy before he would go. — Unanimously found guilty of the charge, being a breach of article 21st, section 14th, of the Articles of War, and sentenced to be discharged the service, as ordered in said article. His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief approves the sentence, and orders it to take place immediately. [14.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, March 22d, 1778. A system of easy manoeuvres and exercises is to be introduced, with a view of establishing uniformity in these respects throughout the Army. The Com- OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 37 manding Officers of Brigades and Regiments are de sired to discontinue exercising and manoeuvering their men by way of instruction, until a New Regulation shall be distributed. Such evolutions and exercises as are indispensably necessary in the ordinary duties of the camp, may in the meantime be performed accord ing to the accustomed method. The prices of the following articles, Rum, Brandy, Gin, Spirits, and Cider Royal, not being rated in Ge neral Orders of the 26th January last, the venders of these articles have taken advantage of the omission, to sell them at the most exorbitant rates. The Brigadiers and Officers commanding Brigades are desired to meet at General Woodford's Ouarters next Tuesday morn ing at 10 o'clock, and regulate the prices of the above. The Adj't-General is to purchase all arms and ac coutrements of all deserters and other persons. The Brigade Inspectors are desired to attend at Head Ouarters on Monday morning at 10 o'clock precisely. Capt. Cely is appointed Brigade Major, vice Brigade Major McGowin, in the 2d Pennsylvania Brigade. [15. J Head Quarters, Valley Forge, March 23d, 1778. As the season is fast approaching when every thing should be in the most perfect readiness for the field, the Commander-in-Chief reminds the Brigadiers of former orders, to provide bayonets for their men ; and 38 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS the Officers, of the necessity of procuring their espon- toons. Major Burnet is appointed Aid-de-Camp to General Green, and is to be respected accordingly. [16. J Head Quarters, Valley Forge, March 24th, 1778. The Honorable the Continental Congress have been pleased to appoint Major-General Green, Ouarter- Master-General in the Army of the United States, re serving to him his rank as Major-General in the same. And John Cox and Charles Pettit, Esqs. Assistants Ouarter-Master- General ; all of whom are to be re spected as such. At 9 o'clock, precisely, all the Brigades will begin their exercise, each Regiment on its own parade, and the Inspector-General will attend. In the afternoon, the Brigades will begin their exercise at 4 o'clock, and finish at 5 o'clock. The Commander-in-Chief strictly enjoins it upon the Commissary-General of Issues to keep a quantity of hard bread in store for the use of detachments, or for any sudden emergency ; likewise salt provisions, if possible. Certain quantities of the above he will issue to the Brigade Commissaries, to to be kept in store for said purpose. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 39 [17.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, March 25th, 1778. At a General Court Martial, whereof Col. Swift was President, 13th inst, Abel Jones, an inhabitant of the state of Pennsylvania, was tried, for supplying the ene my with money, trading with them, and buying and passing counterfeit money. — Found guilty of the charges exhibited against him, and sentenced to re ceive 100 lashes on his bare back, be sent to some public place in this state, to be kept at hard labor du ring the contest with Great Britain. The Commander-in-Chief approves the sentence. At the same Court, Matthew Tilson, Henry Nor- rice, Thomas Bailey, John Campbell and Jesse Har- burn, inhabitants of the state of Pennsylvania, were tried for supplying the enemy with provisions. — Seve rally found guilty, and ordered by the Commander-in- Chief to be confined in the Provost, and by day con tinually employed on fatigue for the term of one month; — and, in addition to said Norrice's punishment, that, agreeably to the sentence of the Court, he pay fifty pounds into the hands of the Adj't-General for the use of the sick in camp. At the same Court, Thomas Coskel and Samuel Burris, soldiers, were tried for attempting to desert to the enemy. — Plead guilty, and sentenced to re ceive one hundred lashes each, 50 per day, two days successively ; said Burris to be well washed with salt and water after he has received his last fifty. The General approves and orders the execution of 40 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS the sentences, to commence tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock, at the heads of the Regiments to which they (the prisoners) belong. [18.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, March 26th, 1778. Until further orders, a Major-General of the day is dispensed with. No scouting party is to be sent out, unless it is by the order of the Commander-in-Chief, the General Officer of the day, or Adj't-General, till the Army may happen to be in a moving state, and cir cumstances require it. Disobedience or neglect of this order will be severely punished. And, as many Officers have been captured through their own folly and care lessness, the General most expressly declares, that whenever this is found to be the case, such Officers will be the last exchanged, notwithstanding in point of time they may be entitled to preference. No Officer commanding an Out-Post, or upon a scouting party, is to give passes into Philadelphia, under pain of being tried for disobedience of orders. The very end and design of these parties are defeat ed by this means. The Adj't-General will take care that these orders are communicated to Officers on all detached Posts. The fatigue men in future are to take their dinners with them, to prevent unnecessary straggling from work, and will be allowed daily a gill of rum or whiskey per man. No boat to pass Sullivan's OP GENERAL WASHINGTON. 41 bridge without permission fi-om the officer command ing the Guard there, who will be strict in examining them, and permit no suspicious person to pass. Sixty- eight men out of those returned unfit for duty, for want of clothing and other necessaries, are to be paraded to morrow morning at Guard mounting, and marched to the laboratory, to be daily employed in that depart ment for one month ; and, as it is of the utmost im portance that a quantity of fixed ammunition should be always in store, it is expected that each Brigade will keep its detail good. [19.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, March 27, 1778. The numerous inconveniences of a large train of baggage must be apparent to every officer of the least observation. An army is rendered by it unwieldy, and incapable of acting with that ease and celerity which are essential both to its own convenience and defence, and to the vigor and enterprize of its offensive opera tions. The solicitude of those who have a large quantity of baggage at stake (who will feel for its safety even in the most critical circumstances) is sometimes attended with very alarming consequences, and individuals frequently and unavoidably sustain se vere losses from the imprudence of encumbering them selves with a superfluous quantity. The public is 'urthened with a fruitless expense by an unnecessary 6 42 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS addition of horses and waggons, and the strength of the Army is diminished by the extraordinary number of Guards required for their protection. These dis advantages, and many more, that will suggest them selves to most minds, have constantly embarrassed the Army, notwithstanding the pains that have been taken to prevent them. Many instances will be re collected in the course of the last campaign, particu larly those where serious inconveniences were incurred by the necessity of removing superfluous baggage, du ring the more active parts of it, to a distance from the Army. The Commander-in-Chief hopes theseconsid- erations will influence officers the ensuing campaign to provide themselves with necessaries only, or indispen sable articles, and with the means of carrying them in the most easy and convenient manner. He therefore strongly recommends the disuse of chests and boxes, and that portmanteaus or valisses, made of duck, be adopted instead of them. This will be the more requisite, as it is in contemplation to employ as few waggons as possi ble, and make use of pack-horses as far as may be prac ticable. It is expected that General and Field Officers will set the example, and see that it is strictly fol lowed by all under their respective commands. Officers on Out-Posts, receiving letters by flags, addressed to the Commander-in-Chief by General Howe, whose name is always endorsed on them, are desired to give receipts for the same. As the Commander-in-Chief is anxious to get the interior lines of defence completed, he desires the Brig adiers and officers commanding Brigades, to meet at OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 43 General Varnum's Ouarters tomorrow morning at 11 o'clock, and there, or at the lines, assign to each Bri gade its proportion of labor, which they will cause to be executed, under the inspection of the Engineers, with as much despatch as possible. [20.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, March 28th, 1778. At a Board of Brigadiers, and officers commanding Brigades, the prices of sundry liquors are fixed as fol lows, and now ratified by tlie Commander-in-Chief, viz: West India Rum or Spirits at 15s. continental: Rum 10s. ; Gin 9s. ; French Brandy 19s. ; and Cider Royal 2s. per quart; and in larger quantities, or small er, at the same rate. On Monday next, the Troop will beat at half past 7 in the morning, and the Guard will be on the Guard Parade at 8 o'clock precisely, in order to exercise pre vious to Guard mounting. Major Wallace, Brigade Inspector in General Woodford's Brigade, will command, and have two Adjutants from that Brigade to assist him. On Sunday, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, all the Brigade Inspectors, with the officers and non-commis sioned officers who are to mount Guard on Monday, vdll attend at Head Ouarters, where the Inspector- General will instruct them in what is to be done the next day. 44 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS The Baron Steuben,* a Lieut-General in Foreign Service, and a gentleman of great military experience, having obUgingly undertaken the exercise of Inspector- General in the Army : The Commander-in-Chief, till the pleasure of Congress shall be known, desires he may be respected and obeyed as such, and hopes and expects that all officers, of whatever rank in it, will af ford him every aid in their power in the execution of his office. Lieut-Cols. Davis, Brooks, and Barber, and Mr. Trenant, are appointed to act as Sub-Inspec tors ; the three former retaining their rank and station in the Line. The importance of establishing a uniform system of useful manoeuvres, and regularity of discipfine, must be obvious ; the deficiency of our Army in these respects must be equally so ; but the time we probably shall have to introduce the necessary reformation is short. With the most active exertions, therefore, of officers of every class, it may be impossible to effect all the im provement that may be essential to success in the en suing campaign. Arguments surely need not be mul tiplied to kindle the zeal of officers in a matter of such great moment to their own homes, the advancement of the service, and the prosperity of our arms. * Gen. Conway had been previously appointed Inspector-General, but, in consequence of his intrigues against Gen. Washington, or other causes, had never entered on the duties of the office. He resigned in April '78, when Baron Steuben, who had been an Aid-de-Camp to the " Great Frederick," and a Lieut.-Gen. in the Prussian Army, was ap pointed in his place, with the rank of Major-General, having been acting as a volunteer in that capacity from the date of this Order. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 45 [21.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, March 29, 1778. As the stormy weather prevents the Brigade Inspec tors, &c., meeting this day, agreeably to yesterday's General Orders, the Sub and Brigade Inspectors, with the officers and non-commissioned officers, who were to assemble at 10 o'clock this day, will attend the first fair day at the same time and place. The following officers are appointed Brigade In spectors, and are to be obeyed and respected as such in their several respective Brigades : Col. Tupper, in Gen. Patterson's Brigade. Lt.-Col. Sproat, in Gen. Glover's in Gen. Woodford's in Gen. Weedun's in Gen. Larned's in Gen. Poor's in Gen. Maxwell's in 1st Pennsylvania in late Conway's in Gen. Varnum's in Gen. Huntingdon's in Gen. Mcintosh's Capt McGowen, in 2d Pennsylvania Capt Walker is appointed Brigade-Major P. T. in General Poor's Brigade, and is to obeyed and res pected as such. Major Wallace, Major Caball, Major Hull, Major Fish, Major Brumfield, Major Ryan, Major Halting, Capt Smith, Capt Converse, Capt Engles, 46 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS [22.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, March 30, 1778. As the operations of the ensuing campaign, whether offensive or defensive, renders it indispensably neces sary that the spare baggage of the Army should be at a distance from this camp, and it may be inconvenient, and perhaps impracticable (for want of teams), to re move it the distance absolutely required, the General desires that the officers will lose no time in disengaging themselves from every thing that they can possibly part with. As to the means for removing it, they will con sult the Ouarter-Master- General, who may have empty waggons returning fi-om camp. [23.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, March 31st, 1778. Germantown being appointed for the meeting* of Commissaries from the two Armies, a strict neutrality and suspension of hostilities are to be observed in all the extent of that village ; and all officers, whether Continental or Mifitia, are expressly forbid to enter there, either with their parties, or singly, or to do any thing that may in any wise tend to violate the peace which is to subsist in the above mentioned place till further orders. * This meeting was merely for the purpose of arranging an exchange of prisoners. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 47 [24.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, April 1st, 1778. Some Brigade was late in sending its men on the Parade this morning. The General is willing to at tribute this to the deficiency of watches ; and to the end that greater punctuality may be observed in fu ture, with respect to time, the Adjt-General is to regulate his watch by the clock at Head Ouarters ; the Brigade Major by his ; and the Adjutants by the Brigade Major's. [25.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, April 2d, 1778. The Inspector of the 1st Pennsylvania Brigade will parade and command tomorrow ; he will bring with him two Adjutants from his Brigade, and, when the parade is over, remit the command for the next day to the Inspector of the 2d Pennsylvania Brigade, and his two Adjutants, who are desired to attend to morrow for that purpose ; the same method to be ob served in regular rotation. The Inspector-General proposes exercising the Officers of the 2d Pennsylvania Brigade at 10 o'clock tomorrow, and at 11 those of General Poor's. Col. Josiah C. Hall, tried by a General Court Martial, held at Wilmington, the 25th ult, by order of Brigadier-General Smallwood, whereof Col. Rich- 48 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS ardson was President, for refiising to comply with General Orders issued on an emergency, and calcu lated to aid the service, which at that time could not be remedied; and for unofficeriike behaviour in threatening to blow out the brains of any officer who should head a party to execute the same ; was ac quitted in the following terms : " The Court, with respect to the first charge, are of opinion that the order issued in that^nstance was not military, nor conveyed through a military channel; that the General, by conveying it through the hands of a Ouarter-Master, in the nature of an impressment, nor even addressed to Col. Hall, was an actual con fession he had not a right to expect or exact a com pliance with the Orders, by virtue of his superior com mand ; and with respect to the 2d charge, although the Court do by no means approve of Col. Hall's intention, or threats, in resisting by force the Officer sent to execute the order, yet, as they can only account for it from the keen and sensible feelings of a person in his situation, and as a few moments' cool reflection determined him to act otherwise, do acquit him of unofficeriike behaviour, and, upon the whole, are unanimously of opinion that he is not guilty of the charges exhibited against him, and therefore acquit him with honor." It is with much concern the Commander-in-Chief thinks himself in propriety obfiged to disapprove this decision. He is clearly of opinion that the order issued through Col. Sheriff's Division O'r-M'r. was regular and obligatory :~Regular, because General OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 49 Smallwood, as Commander of a detached Post, must be supposed to be officially vested with every power necessary for the good of it, and consequently that of impressing horses on an emergency ; and because the Division O'r-M'r. was the proper channel through which it should operate, agreeably to the practice of armies, and to the spirit and true design of General Orders : Obligatory, because it was the order of a superior and Commanding Officer, and from the face of the evidence appears to have been founded on the necessity of the case, and calculated to promote the service. Col. Hall's refusal to comply with the order was a blameable opposition to the command of a su perior officer, acting in the line of his duty, and the violent threats thrown out against any person who should head a party to execute it, was, at least, high ly improper and indelicate. Col. Hall is released from his arrest. [26,] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, April 3d, 1778. At a General Court Martial, whereof Col. Ogden was President, 24th ulto., William Morganan, an in habitant of Pennsylvania, was tried for coming out of Philadelphia, stealing a horse, and attempting to carry him into the city. — Found guilty of a breach of a Resolution of Congress dated Oct 8, 1777, ex tended by another Resolve, and sentenced (two-thirds 7 50 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS agreeing) to be kept at hard labour during the con test with Great Britain, not less than 30 miles from the enemy's camp ; and if he is caught making his escape, to suffer death. His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief approves the foregoing sentence, and orders it to take place. [27.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, April 4th, 1778. Each Brigadier for the day will visit the prisoners in the Provost during his tour of duty, and examine into their manner of treatment, which he will report, with the number and kind of them, and length of their confinement, when he gives in the several reports of the Guards and occurrences. This is to be con sidered a standing order, and to be punctually executed. [28.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, April 5th, 1778. The Brigade Inspectors, Brigade Majors, and Adjutants of the Battalion, are to attend on the Grand Parade tomorrow morning at Guard mounting. If the weather should prove bad, they wiU attend the first fair day. No furloughs to be granted to non-commissioned officers or privates, till fiirther orders. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 51 The Regiments that are in want of shoes, are desired to apply at the clothier's store. There are a few dozen of worsted stockings and shoes fit for Officers, that may be had at said store. [29.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, April 6th, 1778. Lieut-Col. Green is appinted to the command of the 10th and Lieut.-Col. Davis to the command of the 14th Virginia Regiment, until further orders, and are to be respected accordingly. At a General Court Martial, whereof Col. Vose was President, 31st ulto., was tried Lt Dunn of Col. Patten's Regiment, Gen'l Scott's Brigade, for striking, and ungentlemanlike behaviour to Lieut. Street, and acquitted. — The Commander-in-Chief confirms the sentence, and orders Lieut Dunn discharged from his arrest ; at the same time observes, that the frequent proceedings of Courts Martial presented to him, which seem to originate more from personal prejudices and private animosities, than a real intention to promote the good of the service, gives him very sensible pain. He wishes the Officers of his Army to consider them selves as a band of brethren, connected together by the justice of a common cause ; that perfect harmony may subsist among them, and that they would settle all personal disputes among themselves, in an amica ble manner, ever cautious about troubling a Court 52 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS Martial, or the General, with private dissensions, or adding papers to the pubfic files, which may hereafter reflect disgrace upon themselves and the Army. [30. J Head Quarters, Valley Forge, April 7, 1778. A General Court Martial of the line, whereof Gen eral Poor is appointed President, to sit tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock at the President's Ouarters, to try such prisoners as shall be brought before it Col. Stewart, Lt.-Col. Burr, Major Peters, and a Captain from the Corps of Artillery, Woodford's, Scott's, 1st and 2d Pennsylvania, Glover's, Paterson's, Mulen- berg's. Maxwell's, Huntington's, Varnum's, and Mc intosh's Brigades, to attend as members. Capt WiUiam Lewis is appointed Brigade Inspec tor in General Mulenberg's Brigade, and Capt. Croghan in Gen. Scott's, and are to be obeyed accordingly, The Brigade Ouarter-Masters will immediately bring in the empty ammunition boxes to the park of Artillery, and deliver them to the Commissary of Military Stores. » An exact return of arms and accoutrements to be made immediately, according to the form which shall be delivered to the Brigade Majors. The Commanding Officers of Regiments and Corps are desired to be very particular in their next weekly OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 53 returns, to account for all the officers and men who are absent, sick, on furlough, or on command, and the place where, that proper means may be taken to call them in to their respective Corps. The General strictly enjoins it upon them to be exceedingly exact in mentioning those officers, in every Department, who detain any of their soldiers as waiters, or for any other purpose ; and every circumstance relative to their ab sence, as his fixed determination is, that he will know the true state of his Army. A few Continental tickets to be sold at the Audi tor's Office and P. M. General's. [31.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, April 8, 1778. A renewal of the orders relative to the cleaning and proper appearance of soldiers who are to mount Guard, however great a reproach to the Officers whose province it is to attend to these points, has become necessary. The Adjutants, in whom the delinquency originates, as it is their duty in the first instance to inspect the arms, ammunition, accoutrements and dress of the men, before they quit the Regimental Pa rade, are particularly called upon ; the Brigade Ma jors are requested minutely to examine the Detach ments assembled on the Brigade Parade, in all the above-mentioned respects, and the Adjutants are to remain there until tlie men are marched off, in order 54 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS to answer for any delinquency, when the Guards are assembled on the Grand Parade. The Brigade Majors, and Officers of the Day, are carefully to re peat the same examination of arms, &c. and to order the Adjutants under an arrest, when any ill appearance or deficiency may be justly attributed to their negli gence. The want of uniformity in the soldiers' cloth ing, and its indifferent quality, so far from excusing slovenliness and unsoldierly neglect in other respects, ought rather to excite each man to compensate for these blemishes by redoubled attention to the means which he has in his power ; for instance, the soldiers can shave their beards, appear with clean hands and faces, and, in general, have an air of neatness, which will be conspicuous under all disadvantages. [32.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, April 9th, 1778. In addition to yesterday's orders, for the purpose of effecting decency and cleanliness in the dress of the men, the Commander-in-Chief informs the Sergeants and Corporals of the line, and desires it may be deep ly impressed upon them, that unless they exert them selves to the utmost to bring about a desirable change (as far as circumstances of clothing will ad mit), and, at the same time, by conduct and example, which ought to distinguish them from privates, en deavour to preserve order, regularity, and obedience OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 55 among them ; without exception, they shall be reduced to the ranks, and others appointed, until good ones can be had to discharge their respective duties properly. Nothing does, nor can, contribute more to the health of the soldiers, than a clean camp, clean clothes, and victuals well-dressed. These, however deeply in volved in rags* an Army may be, can be effected by attention in the Officers. The General, therefore, calls upon every officer, from the Major-General down to the Corporals inclu sive, for increased exertions ; hoping thereby to in duce a more strict attention to order, and, with the blessing of God, to prevent such numbers of deaths as have unfortunately happened of late. [33.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, April 10th, 1778. Whereas, many inconveniences may arise in set tling the recruiting accounts of the Army, for want of the Officers being acquainted with the mode of stating said accounts ; the Commanding Officers of Regi ments and Corps are therefore requested to apply to * The returns of February exhibited the astonishing number of 3,989 men in camp, unfit for duty for want of clothes. Sceurcely one man of these had a pair of shoes. From among those returned capable of doing duty, many were so badly clad, that exposure to the cold of the season must have destroyed them. Although the total of the army exceeded 17,000 men, the present eSective rank and file amounted only to 5,012. — [Mar shaU, Vol. 1., p. 227.] 56 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS the Auditors of the Army, who will furnish blank forms, by which that business will be much facilitated, and the adjustment of their accounts rendered both simple and easy. In order that no difficulty may arise from a multipficity of accounts, the Auditors re quest that the Officers commanding Regiments and Corps will cause the respective Officers of their Re giments, and who have been on the recruiting service, to produce to them their recruiting accounts, which should be collected in the form of an Abstract, that the whole may appear in one view ; thereby enabling the Auditors to acquit the said Commanding Officers of Regiments and Corps of the several sums with which they stand charged. The increasing warmth of the season requires that the greatest care be taken to keep the huts of the men clean, their bedding aired every day, and that the streets and alleys of the camp be kept freed from all filth. The Commander-in-Chief, therefore, earnest ly requests both Brigadiers and Regimental Officers of the day to see these duties regularly and punctually performed. All bones, putrid meat, dirty straw, and other kind of filth, will be collected every day and burnt. As marching men by files has an unmilitary ap pearance, and a tendency to make the men march in an unsoldierfike manner, all Parties, commanded by a Commissioned Officer, are to be marched by Divisions ; and every Officer commanding a Guard or Detachment will be very attentive to see that his men march properly; and, when refieved, he will OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 57 march his Guards back to the Brigade to which the men belong. If from several Brigades, he will march them to the Grand Parade before he dismisses them. At a General Court Martial, whereof Gen. Poor was President, 3d inst, Col. John Crane was tried for the vexatious and groundless arrest of Major Forrest, and for speaking disrespectfully of the Courts M-artial, to the prejudice of good order. — Acquitted of a vexa tious and groundless arrest of Major Forrest, but found guilty of speaking disrespectfully of Courts Martial, to the prejudice of good order in the service of the Uni ted States, being a breach of the 5th article, 18th sec tion, of the Articles of War, and sentenced to be repri manded in Brigade Orders. The Commander-in-Chief approves the sentence, and orders it to take place tomorrow. [34. J Head Quarters, Valley Forge, April nth, 1778. The Commander-in-Chief earnestly calls on all Officers to pay the strictest attention to the General Orders of the 28th January last, respecting the men's ammunition, and in addition to that order, he directs that, whenever a non-commissioned officer or soldier is detected discharging his piece, or otherwise wasting his ammunition, he shall immediately be tied up in presence of the first commissioned officer he shall be brought before, and receive 39 lashes. And, as 8 58 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS many soldiers, contrary to good order, often straggle into the woods, or bye-places, to avoid being detected, no soldier in future will be allowed to carry his arms out of Camp, unless on duty. The Commanding Officers of Regiments, whenever a gun is heard in the vicinity of the Camp, are desired to send out parties under non-commissioned officers to apprehend the definquents, and bring them to immediate punishment. The Commanding Officers of Regiments and Corps will see that this order is read to the men, and the Commanding Officers of Companies will be careful to inform all their men, now absent, of this order, when they return to Camp. [35.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, April 12th, 1778. The Honorable the Congress* having thought proper to recommend to the United States of America, to set apart Wednesday, the 22d inst, to be observed as a day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer, that at one time, and with one voice, the righteous dispensations of Providence may be acknowledged, and His goodness and mercy towards our arms supplicated and implored : The General directs that the day shafi be most ? A Committee, consisting of Messrs Roberdeau, Huntington, and Scudder, was appointed, Feb, 27, '78, " to prepare a recommendation to the United States, to set apart a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer." Committee's Report presented and adopted March 7. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 59 refigiously observed in the Army ; that no work shall be done thereon ; and that the several Chaplains do prepare discourses suitable to the occasion. The Funeral honors at the interment of Officers are for the future to be confined to a procession of officers and soldiers in numbers suitable to the rank of the deceased, with reversed arms. Firing on these occasions is abolished. At a General Court Martial, whereof Col. Vose was President, 6th inst, Wm. McMath, of Capt Lee's Company, Col. Lamb's Regiment of Artillery, was brought a prisoner before the Court, charged with de sertion to the enemy. — After mature deliberation the Court are of opinion that he is guilty of the first article, 6th section, of the Articles of War, and do sentence him to be hanged till he is dead. The Commander-in-Chief confirms the sentence of the Court, and orders Wm. McMath to be execu ted next Friday, at 10 o'clock a. m. [36.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, April 13th, 1778. The General Officers are desired to meet at Lord Stirling's Ouarters next Wednesday, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon. At a General Court Martial, whereof Col. Vose was President, 4th inst., Philip Calp, an inhabitant, was tried for attempting to carry flour into Philadel- 60 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS phia. — Found guilty, and sentenced to receive 50 lashes, and to be employed on some public works, for the use of the cantonment, while the British Army continues in this state, unless he should enlist into the service during the present war. — At the same Court, by adjournment, 7th inst, Capt Benstead, Pay-Master to the 10th Pennsylvania Regiment, was tried for disobeying the orders of Capt Cox, by refusing to pay him, when he paid the other Officers of the Regiment The Court having considered the charge, and the evi dence, are unanimously of opinion that Capt Benstead is guilty of the charge, but think the orders of his Colonel win justify his refusal to pay Capt Cox, and do thereby acquit him. The Commander-in-Chief approves the foregoing sentence of the Court, except the stripes, and orders it to take place ; and that Capt Benstead be released from his arrest. [37.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, April 14th, 1778. The General was very much pleased, in a ride through the Lines yesterday, to see what attention some of the Brigadiers had paid to his orders, re specting the neatness and purity of their Camp. He wishes it had been general, but the case was other wise. He therefore, and for the last time (without proceeding to extremities), requests that all kinds of OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 61 dirt and filth, as well that in front, rear, and between the huts, as what shall be found on the parade and before the doors, be raked together, burnt, or buried, as the case may require. The Brigade Ouarter-Masters are to see that the offal at the slaughter-pens of their respective Brigades be burnt every day. They will be answerable for any neglect of this duty, and, without fail, be arrested for the smallest inattention to the order. At a General Court Martial, whereof Col. Vose was President, 6th inst, Doctor Socket, Surgeon's Mate of the 11th Virginia Regiment, was tried for neglecting to visit and procure necessaries for the sick of his Regiment ; 2ndly, for absenting himself, and going to the state of New- York, without leave. — Acquitted of the first charge, but found guilty of the second, being a breach of 5th article, 14th sec tion, of the Articles of War, and sentenced to be re primanded by the Commanding Officer of the Regt The Commander-in-Chief confirms the sentence, and orders it to take place tomorrow. [38. JHead Quarters, Valley Forge, April 15th, 1778. The men who are draughted for the Commander- in-Chief's Guard, are to be included in the Pay ab stracts of the Reg'ts till the first of April ; after which they wiU draw as a distinct Corps, although retm-ned on command in their respective Reg'ts. 62 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS At a General Court Martial, whereof Col. Craige was President, 14th inst, John Foster of Col. Mal com's Regt, was tried for desertion to the enemy.— Plead guilty, and in consideration of his youth, sen tenced only to receive 100 lashes on his bare back. The Commander-in-Chief approves the sentence, and orders it to be put in execution tomorrow morn ing, at the head of the Regt to which he belongs. [39.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, April 16, 1778. The Commander-in-Chief directs that only one Sutler be allowed to each Brigade, who shall have a Sutling Booth within the limits of the Brigade, where he shall sell his liquors at the following prices to the officers and men of the Brigade to which he belongs, and on no pretence to any other, under penalty of having his whole stock seized, and of being rendered incapable of ever serving as Sutler in the Army again : — Whiskey, Peach and Apple Brandy, Cor dials of all kinds, or any other home-made Spirits, at 15s. per gallon — per quart, 4s. — per pint, 2s. — per half pint, Is. 3d. West India, per quart, fufi proof 15s. A Bowl of Toddy, containing one half pint of Spirit, 7s. 6d. — No person whatever, besides such ficensed Sutlers, or Commissaries sent by particular states) shall sell liquors of any kind in Camp, or within 7 miles of Camp, under penalty of having their whole OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 63 Stock seized, without payment, for the use of the Ar my ; . except that the Ouarter-Master-General is au thorized to allow one or more houses of entertainment, to accommodate Travellers and Strangers, who must necessarily be in the vicinity of the Camp. The Brigadiers, and Officers commanding Brigades, are to report to the Adj't-General the names of the Sutlers of their respective Brigades ; and when any change happens, they are to report it accordingly. A Ration in future shall consist of 1^ lbs. Flour, or Bread, 1 lb. of Beef, or Fish, or | lb. of Pork, and 1 gill of Whiskey or Spirits, or 1^ lbs. Flour, ^ lb. Pork, or Bacon, half pint of Peas, or Beans, and 1 gill of Whiskey or Spirits. The issuing Commissary is directed to issue Ra tions to the Army from time to time, agreeably to the foregoing estimate, according to the state of stores in the Camp. Wm. McMath, under sentence of death, is re prieved until further orders. At a General Court Martial, whereof Col. Vose was President, 8th inst., John Connor, of the 7th Pennsylvania Reg't, was tried, 1st, for desertion to the enemy ; 2nd, taking the oath of allegiance to the King of Gr't Britain. — Acquitted of the first charge, but found guilty of the 2nd, being a breach of article 5th, section 18, of the Articles of War ; and, as he did not return to his Reg't at his leaving Philadelphia, which is an addition to his crime, they sentence him to receive 50 lashes, and rejoin his Reg't. At the same General Court Martial, Lt , of 64 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS the 10th Pennsylvania Reg't, was tried for ungentle- manfike behaviour, and conniving with Serg't Hews in secreting stolen goods. 2nd, for countenancing him in carrying off and offering for sale, a mulatto slave, belonging to Major Shaw. — Found guilty of the first charge exhibited against him, being a breach of article 24th, section 14th, of the Articles of War, and sentenced to be discharged the service. The Commander-in-Chief approves the sentence, and orders it to take place immediately. At the same General Ct Martial, James Gordon, a soldier of the 2nd Virginia Reg't, was tried for, 1st, deserting a 3d time ; 2nd, for forging a discharge; 3d, for re-enlisting in the 12th Pennsylvania Reg't. — Found guilty of the several charges exhibited against him, being a breach of the 1st and 3d articles, 6th and 12th sections, of the Articles of War, and sentenced to receive 300 lashes at three different times, 100 for each crime. The Commander-in-Chief approves the sentence, and orders the execution to begin tomorrow morning at the head of the Reg't to which Gordon belongs, and to be completed at the discretion of the Com manding Officer of the Reg't [40.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, April 17, 1778. The Regimental Ouarter-Masters are directed to go into the country, and make contracts with proper OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 65 persons for bringing in milk and other necessaries for the sick. It is expected they wiU complete such con tracts by the 21st inst, after which day, no permis sions are to be granted to any person to go out of Camp for the purpose of purchasing provisions of any kind. Henceforward no officer, soldier, or any other per son, belonging to the Army, shall go or send out to purchase any of the articles which are usually brought to market, or bargain for them any where else than at the place appointed for market : nor shall any of the inhabitants expose their marketing for sale in any other place ; the purchaser, on pain of being tried for disobedience of orders, and the venders, of forfeiting the whole stock brought in. And for the more effec tual discovery of any breach of this order, whoever gives information of such breach, will be entitled to the articles sold or offered for sale, or the value to be re covered from the purchaser. All pei-mits to go out of Camp are in future to be granted only by Briga diers, or Officers commanding Brigades. The Officer of the Guard at Sullivan's Bridge is carefully to inspect the passes offered there, and make himself a judge of their authenticity. 66 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS [41.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, April 19th, 1778. The Sub-Inspectors will each superintend the dis cipline of each Brigade according to the fofiowing Division, viz : Mr. Trenant, Woodford's, Scott's and Mcintosh's ; Lieut- Col. Brooks, 1st and 2nd Penn sylvania, Poor's and Glover's ; Lieut-Col. Davis, Larned's, Paterson's, Weeden's and Muhlenburg's ; Lieut.-Col. Barber, Maxwell's, late Conway's, Hunt ington's, and Varnum's. At a General Court Martial, whereof Col. Craig was President, April 15th, Hugh Baker, Forage Mas ter, was tried for pressing a horse from Daniel Yar- nel, without authority for so doing, or returning the horse into the Continental Yard, until complaint was made against him ; also for abusing Joseph Smedly, an inhabitant of Chester county, in confining him un der guard without any order or authority for so doing, and taking his horse, without giving a receipt, or showing a sufficient warrant for so doing. — Found guilty, and sentenced to be discharged the service, and to have as much of his pay stopped as will satisfy Mr. Smedly for his horse. The Commander-in-Chief approves the sentence, and orders it to take place immediately. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 67 [42.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, April 20th, 1778. Passes signed by Doctor Cohering, Director of the Flying Hospital, to any in his Department, are to be deemed valid. [43.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, April 21st, 1778. No Pay-Master is to be discharged but by the Com mander-in-Chief, or Officer commanding in separate Departments ; and none of them are to apply for dis charges, without first obtaining and producing from the Pay-Master-General, or Auditors of Accounts, and Officer commanding the Regiments to which they belong, ample certificates of their having settled their acc'ts properly with the Public and with their Regiment. This is to be considered a standing Order. The Cols, and Commanding Officers of Regiments, are to make it an invariable rule to review their re spective Regiments once a week, look into the state and condition of the men's arms, accoutrements, and clothes, and know precisely the state of them, and where every man is. The Brigadiers, and Commanding Officers of Bri gades, are to do the same in their respective Brigades, at least once a fortnight. In a word, it is expected 68 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS from both, that every care and attention will be paid to keep their men together, and the arms and accou trements, belonging to them, in good order. This is also to be considered as a standing Order; but not to supersede the daily inspection by subordi nate Officers, agreeably to former Orders. [44.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, April 22d, 1778. The Forage-Master-General is, without delay, to appropriate a sufficient number of wheat fields within the vicinity of the Camp to serye as Forage ground; a lot to each Brigade ; the extent to be proportioned to its strength, and to be clearly mark'd out ; a report of the whole of which will be made at Head Ouar ters, and to the Ouarter-M'r-General, as well as par ticular returns to each Brigade Forage-Master, of the proportion assign'd to his Brigade. The Commanding Officers of Brigades have strict orders to prevent mutual encroachments. [45.] Head Qttarters, Valley Forge, April 23rd, 1778. A most scandalous publication has made its ap pearance in the Phila. Evening Post of the 3rd of OP GENERAL WASHINGTON. 69 this month, beai-ing the marks of a genuine Act of Congress, setting forth, that those brave men who have enlisted, or have been draughted to serve in the Continental Army for a limited time, are, neverthe less, to be detain'd during the contest between the United States and Great Britain. The Commander-in-Chief assures the Army that this publication is as false as it is wicked, and is intended to induce those already enlisted, or who have been draughted, to desert, and to intimidate others from engaging in the service of their country. Our enemies, finding themselves unable to reduce us by the force of their arms, are now practising every insidious art to gain time, and disunite us. But the General hopes that men who have struggled with every difficulty and encounter'd every danger, are not to be conquered by artifices, which are so easily ex posed. It is necessary to give warning to such weak minds as might be deluded by the treacherous promises of the enemy, that, under pretence of sending deserters from this Army passage free to Great Britain or Ire land, there to be set at large, they confine them on ship-board, with a view either to force them into their service as seamen, or transport them as recruits to some Garrison. 70 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS [46.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, April 26th, 1778. The Commander-in-Chief has been informed that it is a common practice with soldiers to go about the country, and make use of his name to extort from the inhabitants, by way of sale or gift, any necessaries they want, either for themselves or others. He strictly enjoins it upon all Officers to take the most effectual measures to put a stop to a practice so daring and infamous, and assures all concerned, that those who may be detected in the commission of it, will be punished with every circumstance of disgrace and severity. The Commanding Officers of Regiments are desired to wait on the Commander-in-Chief at Head Ouarters, at 10 o'clock precisely tomorrow morning. ADVERTISEMENT. Strayed or stolen from the meadows near Head Ouarters, a sorrel horse (belonging to Col. Harrison, Secretary to Commander-in-Chief) 14 hands and | high, strongly made, has a small switch tail, will trot, pace, or gallop. Any person who will return him to the owner, or give information that he may be recov ered, shall receive a generous reward. A small Bay horse, with a blaze in his face, and 3 white feet, stray'd, or was stolen, with him. Wanted immediately for Public Service, the follow ing workmen, viz : 2 good smelters, 2 do. miners, 4 axmen, 1 dresser to attend the stamp mill, to work and OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 71 burn ore, and a good smith, to whom a handsome salary will be given. Any person out of the Army, who can be well recommended for the above purposes, by applying to Major John Clark, at the Auditor's Office, will meet with encouragement [47,] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, April 27th, 1778. Lieut-Col. Fleury is to act as Sub-Inspector, and will attend the Baron Steuben tiU circumstances will admit of assigning him to a Division of the Army. Each Sub-Inspector is to be attended by an Orderly Sergeant, drawn by turns from the Brigades under his Inspection, that the necessary orders may be commu nicated without delay. [48.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, April 29th, 1778. Each Officer who mounts Guard in future will bring his Name, Reg't, and Brigade, written on a piece of paper, which he wifi deliver to the Brigade Major of the Day, when he is appointing the officers of the several guards. A strict compliance with this order is expected. It will shorten the duty of the Parade. In order to prevent any dispute which may here- 72 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS after arise among the Officers of the Virginia Line, re lative to the distribution of the Drafts from that state, the following mode is henceforth to be ob served. The Drafts are, upon their arrival in Camp, to be brought to the Brigade to which the Officer who conducts them from Virginia belongs. They are to continue with that Brigade for the space of 24 hours, that they may have time to inform themselves of the situation of the different Regiments in the Line, where their friends and relations are. After the expiration of 24 hours, they shall be brought respectively before the Commanding Officer of the Brigade, and make their free election of their Corps, which shafi be binding and obfigatory, provi ding the Reg't they choose shafi not be fully comple ted; in which case, they shall have another choice.— While the Drafts continue in the Brigade to which they first arrive, they shall draw provision by order of the Commanding Officer of the Brigade, and if they have not had the Small-Pox, they shafi be inocu lated by the Surgeon of the Brigade. The orders are constantly to be made known to the Drafts upon their arrival ; and if any Officer is convicted of making use of any undue means to induce the Drafts to join his Reg't, or Company, he may depend upon being cafied to a severe account A complaint having been made by Mr. Dushee, the proprietor of the Valley Forge, that the soldiers puU down the houses, and break the fire-works of what is cafied the New Forge, at the Vafiey Creek : — The Commander-in-Chief strictly forbids afi persons OP GENERAL WASHINGTON. 73 from further damaging said buildings and works, trust ing that the prohibition will be fuUy observed, espe cially when it is recofiected that Mr. Dushee has aheady suffered great loss from the enemy, besides the great waste which our Army have been under the ne cessity of committing upon his woods and improve ments. As some inconvenience has attended the orders of the 17th inst, by confining the purchase of milk and other necessaries for the sick to the Regimental Ouarter-Masters ; instead of that mode, a discreet ser geant and a few men, according to the number of sick in each Reg't, will be sent out daily to purchase those articles, with passes from the Commanding Offi cers of the Brigades respectively. [49.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, May 1st, 1778. The Brigade Ouarter-Masters are daily to attend at the Orderly Office, fortheOuarter-Master-General's order, precisely at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. It is expected that this order will be strictly complied with, as the delinquents may depend on being severely noticed by the Ouarter-Master-General. As the Adj't-General is furnished with all the men's names now in the Hospital, and the Reg'ts they belong to ; also those who died, deserted, and were discharged from them at different times ; Officers commanding 10 74 . REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS Reg'ts and Companies are desired immediately to ap ply to him, and get an exact account of their men, respectively, before they attest their Muster Rofis for the last month ; and they will do the same every month hereafter, as such returns are regularly to be made for the future, to prevent the uncertainty hitherto experienced. The Muster-Master and his Deputies are also ordered to be more careful hereafter, and not to certify any Muster Rolls, unless the duty every man is on, and the Hospital he is in, be mentioned in the Muster Roll. On the day of muster, the men are to be brought on the Parade clean dressed in their regimentals, with their arms and accoutrements. They are to be drawn up in the order in which they stand on the Roll, with their arms shouldered, and bayonets fixed. The Offi cers are to take place in front of their respective Com panies, and continue there during the times of muster. The Field and Staff Officers are to attend ; and no officer or soldier will be absent, unless upon duty, or prevented by sickness. The Rolls must be made out with all possible fairness, and agreeably to the direc tions given by the Officer of Muster. [50.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, May 2d, 1778. The Commander-in-Chief directs that Divine ser vice be performed every Sunday at 11 o'clock in OP GENERAL WASHINGTON. 75 each Brigade which has a Chaplain. Those Brigades which have none will attend the places of worship nearest to them. — It is expected that Officers of all Ranks will, by their attendance, set an example to their men. While we are duly performing the duty of good soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inat tentive to the higher duties of religion. To the dis tinguished character of a Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of a Christian. The signal instances of Providential goodness which we have experienced, and which have almost crowned our arms with complete success, demand from us, in a peculiar manner, the warmest returns of gratitude and piety to the Supreme Author of all Good. [ 51. ] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, May 3d, 1778. In future, no Guard in Camp is to be suffered to remain on duty more than 48 hours without being relieved. — On Monday next, the several Brigades wifi begin their exercise at 6 o'clock, and continue till 8 in the morning, and from 5 to 6 o'clock in the afternoon ; the men for Guard not to attend. 76 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS [52.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, May 4th, 1778. The Sub and Brigade Inspectors are to be pointed ly exact in pursuing the written instructions of the Inspector-General, that the strictest uniformity may be observed throughout the Army. They are not to practise one single manoeuvre without his direction, nor in a method different fi-om it. Any alteration or innovation will again plunge the Army into that contrariety and confusion from which it is endeavoring to emerge. The hours of exercise will also be exactly attended to by each Brigade ; for which purpose, and that no difference may arise on account of watches, proper attention will be paid to the order of the 1st of April last, for regulating them by that of the Adj't-General. The Commander-in-Chief requests the Brigadiers and Officers commanding Brigades, to see that these orders are strictly compfied witli, that the golden op portunity which now presents itself of disciplining the Army may be improved. And he hopes that the Brigades will vie with each other in arriving at the highest pitch of excellence. Stricter attention is requisite to the orders of the 15th of last March respecting hides. OP GENERAL WASHINGTON. 77 [53.] After Orders,* May 5th, 1778. It having pleased the Almighty Ruler of the Uni verse propitiously to defend the cause of the United American States, and finally, by raising us up a pow erful friend among the Princes of the Earth, to estab lish our Liberty and Independence upon a lasting foundation ; it becomes us to set apart a day for gratefully acknowledging the Divine Goodness, and celebrating the event, which we owe to His benign interposition. The several Brigades are be assem bled at 9 o'clock tomorrow morning, when their Chaplains will communicate the intelligence contained in the Postscript of the Gazette of 2nd inst, and offer up a thanksgiving, and deliver a discourse suita ble to the occasion. At ^ past 10 o'clock, a cannon will be fired, which is to be a signal for the men to be under arms. The Brigade Inspectors will then in spect the dress and arms, form the Battalions accord ing to the instructions given them, and announce to the Commanding Officers of Brigades, that the Bat talions are form'd. The Brigadiers, or Command ants, wifi then appoint the Field Officers to command the Battalions ; after which each Battalion will be ordered to load and ground arms. — At J past 11 o'clock, a second cannon will be fired, as a signal for * In the morning " Orders" of this day, May5ih, it was said, "If there be any Comb-Makers in the Army, the Brigadiers and Officers commanding Brigades are desired to make a return of them to the Adjutant-General." 78 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS the march ; upon which the several Brigades wifi be gin their march, by wheeling to the right by platoons, and proceed by the nearest way to the left of their ground in the new position, which wifi be pointed out by the Brigade Inspectors. — A 3i-d signal wiU be given, upon which there will be a discharge of 13 cannons; when the 13th has been fired, a running fire of the Infantry will begin on the right of Wood ford's, and continue throughout the whole of the front Line. It wifi then be taken up on the left of the se cond Line, and continued to the right Upon a sig nal given, the whole Army will Huzza, " Long live the King of France." The Artillery will then begin again, and fire 13 rounds. This wifi be succeeded by a second general discharge of musquetry in a run ning fire ; another Huzza, and "Long live the Friend ly European Powers." Then the last discharge of 13 rounds of Artifiery wifi be given, followed by a general running fire, and " Huzza to the American States." There will be no exercise in the morning, and the Guards of the day wifi not parade untfi after the Feu dejoie is finished ; when the Brigade Majors wifi march them out to the Grand Parade. The Adj'ts will then tefi off their Battafions into 8 Pla toons, and the Commanding Officers will re-conduct them to their Camps, marching by the left Major-General Lord Stirling will command on the right; the Marquis De La Fayette on the left; and Baron De Kalb the 2d line. Each Major-General win conduct the 1st Brigade of his Command to its OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 79 ground. The other Brigades will be conducted by their Commanding Officere in separate columns. The Posts win be pointed out by Baron Steuben's Aids. Major Walker will attend Lord Stirling ; Ma jor De Ponso the Marquis De La Fayette ; and Capt. L'Enfant the Baron De Kalb. The Line is to be formed with an interval of a foot between the files. Each man is to have a gill of rum. The Ouarter- Masters of the several Brigades wifi apply to the Adj't-General for an order on the Commissary of Mil itary Stores, for the number of blank cartridges that may be wanted. Each officer and soldier is to have a nosegay in his hat. [54.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, May 6th, 1778. The Commander-in-Chief, being more desirous to reclaim than to punish offenders, and willing to show mercy to those who have been misled by designing traitors ; and anxious that as many as can, consistently with justice, participate in the pleasures of this truly joyful day ; is pleased to pardon Wm. McMath of the Artifiery, and John Merrill of Col. Th. Jackson's Reg't, now under sentence of death ; and orders their immediate release from confinement ; hoping that gratitude for his clemency will induce them in future to behave like good soldiers. 80 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS [55.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, May 7th, 1778. Wm. Butler, Esq., is appointed Aid-de-Camp to Lord Stirling, vice Major McWilfiams, resigned, and is to be respected accordingly. The Honorable the Congress having been pleased by their resolution of the 3d Feb'y last, to require all officers, as well civil as military, holding commissions under them, to take and subscribe to the fofiowing oath or affirmation, according to the circumstances of the parties : I, do acknowledge the United States of America to be Free, Independent, and Sovereign States, and declare that the People owe no allegiance or obedience to George the Third, King of Great Britain ; and I renounce, refuse, and abjure, any aUegiance or obedience to Him ; and I do swear (or affirm) that 1 will, to the utmost of my Power, support, maintain, and defend, the said United States against the said Kmg George the Third, his heirs and successors, and his or their abettors, assistants and adherents ; and will serve the said United States in the Office of , which I now hold, with fidelity, according to the best of my skill and understanding. Sworn before me this day of 1778. (Signed.) In order to accomplish this very interesting and es- OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 81 sential work as early as possible, the fofiowing Officers are to administer the oaths and grant certificates to the Officers of the Divisions, Brigades, and Corps, set against their names, including the Staff: Major-Gen eral Lord Stirling, to the Officers of the late Conway's Brigade; Major-Gen. Marquis De La Fayette, to those of Woodford's and Scott's Brigades ; Major- Gen. Baron De Kalb, to those of Glover's and Lar ned's Brigades ; Brigadier-Gen. Knox, to those of the Artillery in Camp, and the Officers of Military Stores ; Brigadier- Gen. Poor, to those of his own Brigade ; Brigadier-Gen. Varnum, to those of his own and of Huntingdon's Brigades ; Brigadier-Gen. Paterson, to those of his own Brigade ; Brigadier- Gen. Wayne, to those of the 1st and 2d Pennsylvania Brigades ; Brigadier- Gen. Muhlenburg, to those of his own and Weeden's Brigades ; Brigadier-Gen. Mcintosh, to those of the North Carolina Brigade. — Printed copies will be immediately lodged in the hands of the Major and Brigadier- Generals, to facilitate the business. The Generals administering the oaths are to keep duplicates, and to grant certificates of the same. In the beginning of the oath, the name, rank, and corps of the party making it are to be inserted. Duplicates of the oath and certificate are to be return'd to Head Ouarters by the Generals, who will keep those res pecting the officers of each Reg't by themselves, that an arrangement of the whole may be made out with greater ease and accuracy. Major-Gen. Green will administer the same oath, and grant the like certifi cate, to the officers of his Department, to the Com- 11 82 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS missaries of Provisions, both issuing and purchasing, and to the Commissaries of Forage and their deputies. Besides which, he wifi administer to the said officers respectively, and grant certificates of the same, the following, to wit : I do swear (or affirm) that I will safely, truly, and impartially execute the office of to which I am appointed, and render a true ac count, when requir'd, of all pubfic money received by me, or expended, and afi stores or other effects to me entrusted, to the United States, and wifi in all respects discharge the trust repos'd in me, with justice and integrity, according to the best of my wifi and understanding. (Signed.) The Commander-in-Chief in a season of general joy, takes occasion to proclaim relief to all Prisoners, whether in the Provost, or in any other place. He is induced to do this by a desire that the feeling of exultation may be as extensive as possible, and by an unwillingness that even those who merit punishment, rather than favor, should be excluded from the benefit of an event so interesting to America and to man kind. He hopes the indulgence will not be abus'd, but wifi rather excite in all those who are objects of it a grateftil determination to reform their conduct, and avoid afi practices inconsistent with the duty they owe to their comitry. The Commander-in-Chief takes particular pleasure in acquainting the Array that its conduct yesterday afforded him the highest satisfaction. The exactness OP GENERAL WASHINGTON. 83 and order with which all its movements were per- form'd, is a pleasing evidence of the progi-ess it has made in mifitary improvement, and of the perfection to which it may arrive by a continuance of that laudable zeal which now so happily prevails. The General at the same time presents his thanks to the Baron Steuben, and the gentlemen acting under him, for their exertions in the duties of their office, the good effects of which are already so apparent, and for the care, activity, and propriety, with which they con ducted the business of yesterday. [56.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, May 9th, 1778. Congress have been pleas'd to appoint Baron Steu ben, Inspector-General, with the rank of a Major- General, and to invest the Comraander-in- Chief with power to appoint the Sub and Brigade Inspectors. He continues those who have been already nomina ted and appointed. [57.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, May 11th, 1778. The General Officers are requested to meet at Head Ouarters at 11 o'clock tomorrow, a. m., that 84 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS they may take the oath appointed by Congress in a Resolution of the 3rd of February last, which was published in the orders of the 7th inst. At a General Court Martial, whereof Col. Febeker was Pres't, April 28th, Capt of Col. Malcom's Reg't was tried for assuming the rank of Captain, when a Lieut. ; 2d, for discharging an enlisted soldier, and receiving a sura of money for so doing ; 3rd, for returning the said soldier in the Muster Roll, after discharging him. — Found guilty of the charges exhib ited against him, being breaches of article 5th, section 18, and the 2nd article, 3rd section, also of the 5th article, 5th section, of the Articles of War, and sen tenced to be discharged the service. Also, Lieut. of Col. Wigglesworth's Reg't, tried for striking Lieut Page, and for ungentlemanlike behaviour. — Found gufity of the charges exhibited against him, and sentenced to be cashiered, and to be rendered incapable of ever serving the United States in a military capacity. The Comraander-in-Chief approves the foregoing sentences, and orders thera to take place immedi ately. At the same Court, Capt. , of the 1st New Jersey Battafion, was tried for selling, as substitutes, men, who by an express Law of the State were deemed incapable of being such ; and for selling sol diers as substitutes, who were before enfisted for the common bounty. — Upon raature consideration, the Court are unanimously of opinion that Capt is guilty of the charges exhibited against him ; but, as OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 85 he does not appear to have been actuated by self-in terested motives, and as his actions have arisen from a desire to promote the good of the service, the Court do determine that he does not merit censure. The Commander-in-Chief confirms the sentence, at the same time he cannot forbear remarking, that the practice of selling soldiers as substitutes is an abuse of the highest nature, and pregnant with the most pernicious consequences. Though there is every reason to hope, in the present instance, that it did not proceed from selfish motives, yet it is in itself so dangerous an offence, and so inconsistent with ev ery rule of propriety, that it cannot but merit the severest reprehension. Capt is released from his arrest. At the same Court, by adjournment, April 29th, Adj't Thompson of the 3rd Pennsylvania Reg't, was tried for refusing to come, when sent for by Major Nicholas ; and 2nd, for treating Major Nicholas, when he came, with ifi language. — Acquitted of the 1st charge, but found guilty of the 2nd, and sentenced to be privately reprimanded by the Commanding Offi cer of the Brigade. The General remits the sentence, from a consider ation that the conduct observed towards Mr. Thomp son must have exceedingly warmed his feelings, and excited him to use the expression for which he was condemned. Adjutant Thompson is released from his arrest 86 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS [58.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, May 14, 1778. The Troops are in future to be exempted from ex ercise every Friday afternoon. This time is allowed them for washing their linen, and for bathing. The Sergeants who conduct the squads to bathe, are to be particularly careful that no man remains more than 10 minutes in the water. The Commanding Officers of Regiments wifi order at least 2 windows to be cut in each Hut. As the 2nd N. Carofina, Livingston's, and Angell's Regi ments, are sickly, the Commanding Officers of those Regiments will apply for Tents, to remove their men from their Huts. At a Brigade Court Martial in the Artillery, May 9th, Col. Proctor President, Capt was tried for scandalous and infamous behaviour, unbecoming the character of an officer and a gentleman ; also for breaking his arrest, and threatening the life of Capt Rice in an ungentlemanlike manner in different com panies. — Acquitted of the charge of breaking his arrest, but found guilty of scandalous behaviour as a gentleraan and an officer, being a breach of the 21st art, 14th section, of the Articles of War, and sen tenced to be discharged the service. The Commander-in-Chief approves the sentence, and orders it to take place immediately. At a General Court Martial, whereof Col. Febeker was President, May 7th, Lieut Carter of Col. Baylor's Regiment of Light Dragoons, was tried for neglect of OP GENERAL WASHINGTON. 87 duty, in leaving the different rounds unguarded from Barren Hifi Church to Phifa, by which neglect the enemy advanced a body of Foot and Horse to said Church, and surprised, and made prisoners of a Sub. and his Party, who had returned to the Church for refreshment — After deliberation, the Court are of opinion that Lieut. Carter is guilty of the charges ex hibited against him, being a breach of art. 5th, section 18, of the Articles of War ; but are of opinion that he must have misunderstood the orders given by Capt. McLane, which considerably alleviates his neglect of duty, and sentence him to be reprimanded in Gen'l Orders. The Commander-in-Chief approves the sentence, and discharges Lieut Carter from his arrest, and de sires him to retire to his Regiment. He hopes he will in future pay a strict attention to the orders of his Commanding Officer, as he must plainly perceive the iU effects that have arisen from misapprehension . [59.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, May 16th, 1778. A most pernicious practice has in many instances prevailed among Officers, on leaving Camp, either on furlough, or what is still worse, to quit the service, of taking with thera soldiers in the capacity of servants. This abuse, which is so detriraental to the Army, and 88 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS to the public, is positively forbidden in future ; and Commanding Officers of Regiments are enjoin'd to prevent its being practised on any pretence whatever. This to be considered a standing Order. — It is not improbable that the Army may soon make a sudden and rapid movement The Commander-in-Chief re minds the Officers of the Order of the 27th of last March, respecting Baggage. If there be any who have been inattentive to it, they must abide the consequences, as it is determined that no hindrance to the motions of the Army shall be suffered to happen on account of an incumbrance which ought to have been remov'd. As the hot sea son advances, the time of exercise will be an hour sooner than heretofore. The whole Army will, therefore, be under arms at 5 o'clock in the morning precisely. The Inspectors and Brigade Majors will regulate their watches agreeably to the clock at Head Ouarters. The Honors due from Guards to the Gen'l and other Officers of the Army, to be observed in future, are, 1st Guards commanded by a Commissioned Offi cer, are, for the Comraander-in-Chief to parade, and present arms, the Officer saluting, and drums beating, excepting in Camp before the enemy, when it would not always be proper to announce the presence of the Commander-in-Chief His ExceUency therefore or ders that, in such cases, the drums do not beat 2nd. For Major Gen'ls, and Field Officers of the Day, the Guards present arras. OP GENERAL WASHINGTON. 89 3rd. For Brigadier-Gen'ls, they parade with han dled arms. 4th. For tlie Adj't-Gen'ls, and Inspectors of Divi sions, the same; also, from Ouarter Guards to their own Inspectors. 5th. Guards coraraanded by non-commissioned Of ficers, wifi present arms to the Commander-in-Chief, Major-Gen'ls, Brigadier-Gen'ls, Field Officers of the Day, Adj't-Gen'ls, and the Inspectors of Divisions, Field Officers of their own Regiments, and Inspec tors of their own Brigades. Sentinels wifi present arms to afi General Officers, Field Officers of the Day, the Adj't-Gen'l and Inspectors of Divisions ; and the Sentinels in Camp will present arms likewise to the Field Officers of their own Regiments. 6th. The Guards of the Commander-in-Chief pay no honors but to hira. — The Guards of Major-Gene- rals pay no honors but to the Commander-in-Chief and the General for whom they are a Guard. 7th. The Guards of Brigadier-Gen'ls pay no hon ors but to the Commander-in-Chief Major-Gen'ls, and the Brigadier- General for whom they are a Guard. 8th. When a Guard parades, it must be form'd in two ranks, agreeably to the instructions already given for the formation of the Troops ; the Officer to the right of the front rank, the Serg't covering him in the same manner as form'd for the charge ; the Drummer to the right of the Officer, and the Sentinel to the right of the Drummer, a little advanced. There must be no fugleman. The Sentinel wifi give the time. The Officers, facing to the left, wifi give the word, 12 90 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS " Present arms," and with the last motion face again to the front ; facing again to the left, to command, " Shoulder," &c., keeping always to the right of his guard when occasion requires. N. B. This last article only respects the Guard in Camp. 9th. When it happens that a Gen'l or Field Offi cer passes a guard during the time they are relieving, both Guards wifi pay the honors before mention'd, without altering their position. 10th. When a Battalion, or Detachment, passes before a Guard, it must carry arms, and beat a march. The Guard must present arms and beat a march, and if the Battalion have colours, the Officer salutes them. 11th. When a Body of men appears without arms, if they are Countrymen, and their numbers are equal to, or stronger than the Guard, the Sentinel should alarm the Guard, which is to be turn'd out until the Body has pass'd. 12th. When a Guard, in marching to its Post, or returning, meets a General, or a Field Officer, it should carry arms, continuing its march. 13th. When a single soldier, with arms, meets an Officer, he should halt, front, and carry arras, tiU the Officer is pass'd. 14th. When the Guards or Detachments meet, they should both incline to the right, to make room for each other to pass. OP GENERAL WASHINGTON. 91 [60,] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, May 17th, 1778. The Commanding Officers of Regiments are ex pressly directed to call in, by the first of June, afi sol diers belonging to their several Corps, who are now distributed in the several Departments of the Staff in quality of servants ; and to prevent soldiers in future from being made use of in like manner. [61.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, May 18th, 1778. The Comraander-in-Chief has the pleasure to in form the Array, that the Honorable the Congress have been pleased to come into the fofiowing Reso lution : — " In Congress, May 15th, 1778. " Resolved, unanimously. That all Military Officers commissioned by Congress, who now are, or hereaf ter may be, in the service of the United States, and shall continue therein during the war, and shafi not hold any office of profit under these States, or any of thera, shall, after the conclusion of the war, be entitled to receive annually (for the terra of seven years, if they five so long) one-half the present pay of such Officers ; provided, that no General Officer of the Cavalry, or Artillery, or Infantry, shall be entitled to 92 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS receive more than the one-half part of the pay of a Colonel of such Corps, respectively. — And provided, that this Resolution shall not extend to any Officer of the United States, unless he shall have taken the oath of allegiance to, and actually resides within some one of the United States. " Resolved, unanimously. That every non-commis sioned military officer and soldier, who has enlisted, or shall enlist, into the service of the United States, for or during the war, and shall continue therein to the end thereof, shall be entitled to receive the further reward of Eighty Dollars, at the expiration of the war" The whole Army is desired to prepare in the best manner possible for an immediate and prompt move ment [62.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, May 19th, 1778. The Commanding Officers of Reg'ts are to make returns to the Ouarter-M'r-General of the number of Tents absolutely wanting in each, for such men as cannot be accomraodated consistently with their health and corafort in Huts. In making these returns, it is expected that none wiU raake a larger demand than the real situation of their respective Reg'ts require. The O'r-M'r-General wifi make his issues upon these returns. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 93 Lieut-Col. Bafiard, Major Oilman, the Sub-In spectors, Majors of Brigade, and Adjutants of the Army, will assemble at the Baron Steuben's Ouarters at 10 o'clock, precisely, tomorrow morning, where they wifi receive particular orders. At a Gen'l Court Martial, whereof Col. Bowman was President, May 13th, John Reynolds, artificer in Major Pollard's Corps, was tried for striking Lieut. Hammet — Found guilty, and sentenc'd to receive 100 lashes. The Commander-in-Chief approves the sen tence, and orders it to be putinto execution tomorrow morning, at Guard mounting, on the Grand Parade. Sam'l Raymond, at the same Court Martial, was tried for presenting a loaded musket at Lieut. Ham met — Upon due consideration, the Court are of opin ion that Sam'l Raymond is guilty of the charges ex hibited against him, but the extreme and unpardona ble warmth with which the Officers conducted them selves, renders the action of the Prisoner excusable, and operates with the Court so much in his favour, that they only sentence him to be reprimanded by his Commanding Officer, in presence of the Troops to which he belongs. The General approves of the sentence, and orders it to take place immediately. 94 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS [63.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, May 21st, 1778. The Inspectors &c., will attend at the Baron Steu ben's Ouarters at the hours appointed in the order of the 19th inst If there are any persons in the Army who understand making thin paper, such as Bank Notes are struck upon, they are desir'd to apply im mediately to the Orderly Office, where they wiU be shown a sample of the paper. Officers commanding Regiments are to publish this in Regimental Orders. At a General C't Martial, whereof Col. Bowman was President, May 13th, Capt of Col. Micah Jack son's Reg't was tried for behaving in an unofficeriike manner, in refusing to do his duty when duly notified. — Found not guilty of the charge exhibited against him, and acquitted with honor. Although Capt. ought not to have been warned for duty, when returned sick, yet the Gen'l cannot applaud the spirit which actuated him in refusing obedience to a positive order, and declining a tour of duty of such a kind as might, to all appearance, have been performed by Capt in his circumstances. Capt is re leased from his arrest. At a Brigade C't Martial, whereof Col. Cropper was President, Capt of the 15th Virginia Reg't, was tried for gaming, when he ought to have been at exer cise on the Parade the 12th inst. — Unanimously found guilty of that part of the charge exhibited against him relative to gaming, but acquitted of non-attendance on the Parade, and sentenced to be reprimanded OP GENERAL WASHINGTON. 95 by the Commanding Officer of the Brigade in presence of afi the Officers thereof At the same Court, Lieut of the same Regi ment, was tried for a similar charge. — Found guilty, and sentenced the same as Capt . The Commander-in-Chief however unwilling to dissent from the judgment of a Court Martial, is obliged entirely to disapprove the foregoing sentences, the punishment, in his opinion, being entirely inade quate to the offences. A practice so infamous in itself as that of gaming, SO prejudicial to good order and discipline, and so contrary to positive and repeated General Orders, and carried to so enormous a height, as it appears, and ag gravated, certainly, in the case of Lieut. , by an additional offence of no trifiing military consequence — Absence from Parade — demanded a much severer penalty than a simple reprimand. Capt and Lieut are to be released from their arrest [64.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, May 22d, 1778. At a Brigade C't Martial, May 18th, Major Wafiace President, Lieut , of the 11th Virginia Reg't, was tried for not attending the Parade on the 13th inst., and unanimously acquitted with honor. Likewise Lieut. was tried for the same charge, and ac quitted in like manner. 96 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS The General observes that sickness, or indisposition, is certainly a sufficient excuse for not attending the Parade, but it ought to be an established rule to sig nify it either personally, or in writing, through the Adjutant, to the Commanding Officer of the Reg't to which the Officer concerned belongs. — These gentle men, in not doing this, were deficient in the line of regularity and propriety. Hereafter the excuse shall not be admitted unless this rule be observed, excepting when very particular circumstances render the ob servance impracticable, which can rarely happen. [65.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, May 23d, 1778. Till some further arrangement of the Army is made, Major-Gen'l Lee is to take the charge of the Division lately commanded by Major-Gen'l Green. And in case of action, or any general move of the Army, the three oldest Major-Generals present, fit for duty, are to command the two wings and second line, according to their seniority. The Commanding Officers of Regiments and Corps wifi immediately apply for or ders upon the Commissary of Military Stores, for all the arms and accoutrements wanting to complete the equipment of their men. The Ouarter-Masters of Brigades will also make out returns, and apply for orders for ammunition to complete each man with 40 rounds and 2 flints. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 97 All Officers are called upon to see that their men's arms and accoutrements are put in the best order pos sible. They will likewise take particular care that their men have wooden drivers fixed in their pieces, in the hours of exercise, to prevent the unnecessary waste of flints. They are not to be absent from Camp under any pretence whatever, but must be in actual readiness to march at a minute's warning. [66,] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, May 25th, 1778. At a Gen'l Court Martial, May 1st, 1778, Col. Fe beker, President, Lieut , of the 10th Pennsylva nia Reg't, was tried for ungentlemanlike behaviour, in propagating a report that an Officer of the 10th Pennsylvania Reg't had behaved cowardly in the ac tion of Germantown ; and, when desired by Col. Hubly to narae the Officer, refused to do it in an un becoming manner. — Unanimously found guilty of the charge exhibited against him, being a breach of the 21st art., 14th sect., of the Articles of War, and sen tenc'd to be discharged the service. His Excefiency the Comraander-in-Chief approves the sentence, and orders it to take place immediately. 13 98 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS [67.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, May 27th, 1778. Capt Furbevifie is appointed Aid-de-Camp to Gen'l Lee tifi further orders, and is to be respected accordingly. — Officers are to see that the mud-plais- tering about the Huts is reraov'd, and every other method taken to render them as airy as possible. They will also have the powder of a musket car tridge burnt in each Hut daily, to purify the air, or a little tar, if it can be procured. The Commissary of Military Stores will provide blank cartridges for this purpose. [68.] Head Quarters, Valley Forge, May 28th, 1778. The Commanding Officers of Brigades, in pursu ance of former orders, will hold themselves in readi ness to march, and to apply immediately to the Ouar ter-M'r-General for a sufficient number of wagons to transport their baggage, and are to have their respec tive Brigades, as soon as possible, suppfied with Camp utensils, and necessaries of every kind requisite to take the field. The Commissary wifi have a quan tity of hard bread and salt meat prepar'd to issue to the Army when call'd upon, as it may expect every raoment to march. The Army is to be prepar'd in aU respects for that purpose. Guards of every kind OP GENERAL WASHINGTON. 99 are constantly to keep themselves in a cofiected state with their accoutrements on, and ready to act at a moment's warning. The Gen'l, therefore, forbids afi exercises, and diversions particularly, such as cause them to disperse, and put off their accoutrements, which is equally inconsistent with their security, and with good discipline. — A Board of Gen'l Officers are desired to sit tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock, at Gen. Lee's Ouarters, to examine into Lieut-Col. Regineer's claim of rank in the N. York Line, and re port their opinion thereon. The other Lieut-Cols. of that Line are desired to attend. The Command er-in-Chief will lay before the Board the memorial presented by Lieut-Col. Regineer, with some other papers. — A Court of Enquiry to sit tomorrow morn ing, to examine into the conduct of Col. , re ported to have been absent without leave, and to have been negligent of his duty. All persons concern'd will attend. Col. Johnston is appointed President, Col. Parker, Lieut-Cols. Bonner and Starr, and Major Turner, will attend as members, at the President's Ouarters, at 9 o'clock tomorrow morning. At a Brigade C't Martial, May 25th, Col. Boorman, President, Adj't , of the 12th Virginia Reg't, was tried for furnishing a soldier with the countersign, to go into the country to buy provisions. — Found guilty of a breach of the 15th article, 13th section, of the Articles of War, and sentenced to be dismissed the service. The Commander-in-Chief approves the sentence, but, in consideration of Mr. 's character as an 100 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS Officer, notwithstanding so material a breach of discipline as he is chargeable with in the present instance, is induced to restore hira to his office.* [ 69. ] Head Quarters, Steenrapie, Sept, 9th, 1780. The Commander-in-Chief thinks proper to men tion, that many Officers, who are sent on extra com mands, occasion a great deal of unnecessary trouble both to him and to themselves, by not keeping more particular accounts of their expenses than they fre quently exhibit to hira; often reducing him to the painful necessity, either of admitting claims stated in terms of the greatest generality, or of rejecting them, or, at least, postponing the payment from time to time, until more particular accounts can be made out To prevent like inconveniences in future, he re quests that all Officers, who are sent on such com mands, will be attentive to this matter, and note to whom they pay money, the date, and place, and will raake out their accounts accordingly. And, where circumstances admit, it will also be prudent even to take in the bills they pay, and the receipts. These * The record of orders, as kept by Adj't Whiting, so far as appears by the MSS. books of his which have been preserved, was here interrupted, and was not recommenced until Sept. 1780, when the Head Quarters were at Steenrapie — Gen'l Washington's Array broke up at Valley Forge as soon as the British evacuated Philadelphia, which evacuation took place about the middle of June. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 10 L particularities are required by the Public; they are usual in private transactions between man and man ; and are necessary for the General's justification. — He also thinks proper again to enjoin a pointed attention to the Gen'l Orders published the 18th of Sept last, respecting Officers being sent on extra commands, which wifi not be done except in the manner there prescribed. [70.] Head Quarters, Steenrapie, Sept. 10th, 1780. At a Gen'l Court Martial, whereof Col. Greaton is President, the 2nd inst., Reuben George, an express- rider, was tried for delaying $300,000 on the road, which he had in charge to deliver More Freeman, Esq., D. 0.-M.-Gen'l, for the express purpose of for warding provisions to the Army ; which delay, if not early discover'd, would have been attended with the most fatal consequences to the Army ; and, 2ndly, for expending part of the money, and making preparation to desert to Virginia with the residue. — At the same Court, Joseph Smallwood, a wagoner in the Conti nental service, was tried for insulting and knocking Lt Barrett off his horse on the pubfic road, on the 23rd of August last — The Court are of opinion that Reuben George delay'd the $300,000 on the road, which he had in charge to deliver to More Freeman, Esq., D. 0.-rM.-Gen'l, but it does not appear to them 102 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS that the prisoner knew the purpose the money was sent for, or the consequences that would attend the delay of it ; they are further of opinion, that he ex pended part of the money, but it does not appear that he made preparations to desert to Virginia with the residue. They do sentence the prisoner to repay the money to the O'r-M'r-Gen'l he has expended, to re ceive 100 lashes on his bare back, and to be dis miss'd from his employment. They are also of opinion the prisoner Small- wood is guilty of the charge exhibited against him, and do sentence him to receive one hundred lashes on his bare back. The Gen'l approves these sentences, and orders them to be carried into execution tomorrow morning, on the Grand Parade, at Guard mounting ; and orders Reuben George to be recommitted to the Provost, where he is to remain tifi relieved by Gen'l Green's orders. [71.] Head Quarters, Steenrapie, Sept. 12th, 1780. David Hall, a soldier in Col. Steward's Battafion of Light Infantry, convicted, at a Gen'l Court Martial, whereof Col. Courdand is President, of plundering an inhabitant of money and plat^, and being condemned to death, is to be executed at half-past 4 o'clock this afternoon. — Fifty men, properly officer'd from every OP GENERAL WASHINGTON. 103 Brigade in tlie Army, to attend in the rear of Gen'l Patterson's Brigade. — It has been much the Gen'l's desire to prevent enormities of this kind, which are as repugnant to the principles of the cause in which we are engag'd, as oppressive to the inhabitants, and subversive of that order and discipline which must characterize every well-regulated Army. — The Gen'l again exhorts officers and soldiers of every rank to pay the closest attention to the conduct of their men, and to use every precaution to prevent the soldiers from rambling and committing such outrages, the subject of daily complaint and representation to him. It is highly incumbent on them to do this, to prevent the consequences which will follow, as he is determin'd to show no favor to soldiers who are convicted of these pernicious and disgraceful offences. [72.] Brigade Orders, Sept. 12, 1780. Commissary Burnham will issue two pounds of flour to each Camp, per week, for the purpose of powdering the men's hair, who go on duty. [73.] Head Quarters, Steenrapie, Sept 17th, 1780. At a General Court Martial, whereof Col. Wilfis is President, Col, Hazen was tried on the following 104 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS charge : 1st, Disobedience of orders and unmilitary conduct on the march from Tappan to the Liberty Pole, in halting the Brigade under his command, without any order therefor from the Gen'l commanding the Division, and thereby occasioning a vacancy of near half a mile in the centre of the column ; and for unofficer and ungentlemanlike behaviour, in falsely asserting he had received such orders from General Stark. — The Court are of opinion that on the march from Tappan to the Liberty Pole, Col. Hazen halted the Brigade under his coraraand, and occasioned a vacancy in the left coluran of near half a mile, but, as it appears to them that he had orders from the Gen'l commanding the Division to halt, they do there fore honorably acquit him of disobedience of orders and unmilitary conduct, in the instance contained in this charge. The Court do also honorably acquit Col. Hazen of unofficer and ungentlemanlike beha viour, in falsely asserting that he had orders from Gen'l Stark to halt, which this charge says he had not. The Commander-in-Chief approves the sentence ; but, as it appears to have been a matter of question whether a Brigadier, or Officer coraraanding a Brigade in a line of raarch, has a discretionary power to order a halt, the General thinks it necessary to declare that it is highly iraproper to do so, excepting in cases of extrerae necessity, when the cause of it should be immediately reported to the Officer commanding the Division, who is at the same moraent to inform the General or Commanding Officer of the Column, that he may take measures accordingly to prevent a sepa- OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 105 ration of the column, and the bad consequences that may result tlierefrom. It is nevertheless the duty of a Brigadier, or Officer commanding a Brigade, if he finds his men fatigued, suffering for want of water, or in need of a halt from any other good reason, to make immediate representation thereof to the Officer under whose command he immediately is, that the knowledge of it may be communicated to the Officer commanding the column. Col. Hazen is released from arrest The Gen'l Court Martial, whereof Col. Wilfis is President, is dissolved. [Major-Gen'l Greene's orders, same date, and appended to the foregoing.] His Excefiency the Commander-in-Chief going to be absent from the Army for a few days,* the know ledge of which may possibly reach the enemy, and encourage them to make some movement in conse quence thereof the General desires Officers of all ranks to be in perfect readiness to meet them on the shortest notice; and recommends to the out-guards to be very vigilant and attentive, and the patrols to be watchful and active. * Gen'l Washington had gone to Hartford to meet Rochambeau. 14 106 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS [74.] [major-gen'l Greene's orders.] Head Quarters, Steenrapie, Sept. 18, 1780. The General desires the old Officers of the day to favor him with their company at dinner during the absence of the Commander-in-Chief [75.] [major-gen'l Greene's orders.] Head Quarters, Steenrapie, Sept. 19tb, 1780. At seven o'clock tomorrow morning, the Gen'l will beat, the assembly at 9, and the Army will march at 10. The Baggage wifi precede the Army, and begin to file off precisely at 8, agreeably to the order of march to be given for that purpose. The Baggage that is not ready to fall in agreeably to the order, will be thrown out of the Line, and left in the rear of the Troops ; it is expected, therefore, that the Officers will be punctual in having the baggage ready at the time appointed. The Gen'l desires the march may be conducted agreeably to the regulations, and with the greatest regularity ; for this purpose every Officer is requested to attend to his particular command. Before the march commences, the soldiers are to fill their canteens with water, and the roll is to be caUed about one quarter of an hour before the line of march OF general WASHINGTON. 107 is taken up. The Officer who leads the column wifi take care to regulate the motion of the Troops so as not to injure thera by too rapid a march, and will order proper halts, at about five mfies distance, and, if possible, at such places as to give the men an oppor tunity to replenish their canteens with water. The Invafids are to precede the baggage, and the Officer commanding the Baggage Escort wfil take care and provide for those who shafi fail on the march. He is to allow no women to ride in the wagons, unless their peculiar circumstances require it. The sick of the Light Infantry, and of the right wing, who are un able to march, are to be cofiected near Gen'l Paterson's Brigade in the 2nd Line ; those of the left wing, and Park of Artifiery, at the road leading to Paramus, near Lord Stirling's Ouarters. The whole to be collected at 3 o'clock this afternoon. [76.] [maj.-gen'l Greene's orders.] Head Quarters, Orange Town, September 21st, 1780. The burning of fences and breaking up of enclo sures is so distressing to the inhabitants, as well as disgraceful to an Army that has the least pretension to discipline and order, that the Gen'l earnestly ex horts the Officers of afi ranks, but more particularly the Commanding Officers of Regiments, to take all possible care to prevent it ; and, for this, the Camp 108 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS and Ouarter Guards are to confine every person de tected either in moving or burning fencing stuff; and, as it frequently happens that there are a number of soldiers standing round a fire made of fencing stuff none of whom will acknowledge or inform who made it, all such persons shall be considered as the authors, unless they point out those who really are, and shall be confin'd and punished accordingly. As it is much better to prevent crimes than punish them, the General desires the Commanding Officers of Regiments to pick out proper places for kitchens, that the cooking of provisions for the Regiments may be done as much together as possible, and that the Pofice Officers may visit them during the cooking hours, as wefi to see that the cooking is properly per form' d, as that the fires are not made of fencing stuff At a General Court Martial, whereof Col. Jackson is President, 16th instant, Major Murnan of the En gineers was tried for unofficer and ungentlemanlike behaviour, in taking possession of the Ouarters of the Reverend David Jones in his absence, and for similar behaviour to him in Ouarters. The Court are of opinion that Major Murnan, having a right to take possession of the Ouarters which Mr. Jones calls his, is not guilty of unofficer and ungentlemanlike behaviour in taking possession of them.— The Court acquit Major Murnan of the last part of the charge against him. Major-General Greene confirms the opinion of the Court— Major Murnan is released from his arrest OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 109 [77.] Head Quarters, Orange Town, September 26th, 1780. The truly martial appearance of the Troops yes terday, the order and regularity with which they made the different marches, and the facility with which they perform'd the several manoeuvres, do thera the greatest credit, and open the most flattering pros pect of substantial service to the country, and military glory to the Army. Nothing can be more pleasing to the Officers who feel for the honor of the Army, and the Independence of America, than to see the rapid progress which has been made by the Troops in military discipline. The good conduct of afi the officers yesterday, gave the Gen'l the highest satisfaction, and the particular service of the Inspector-General, and those in that line, deserve his especial thanks. Treason of the Blackest Dye was yesterday disco vered. General Arnold, who commanded at West Point, lost to every sentiment of honor, of private and public obligation, was about to deliver up that impor tant Post into the hands of the enemy. Such an event must have given the American cause a deadly wound. — Happily the Treason was discover'd in time to prevent this fatal mischief The providential train of circumstances which led to it, affords the most convincing proof that the Liberties of Araerica are the object of Divine Protection, Our eneraies, de spairing of carrying their point by force, are practis- 110 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS ing every base art to effect, by bribery and corrup tion, what they cannot accomplish in a manly way. Great honor is due to the American Army that this is the first instance of Treason of the kind, where many were to have been expected from the nature of the dispute ; and nothing more brightly ornaments its character, than the firm resistance with which it has constantly met the seductions of an insidious enemy. Arnold has made his escape to the enemy; but Mr. Andre, the Adjutant-General of the British Army, who came out as a spy to negociate the business, is our Prisoner ! His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief has ar- riv'd at West Point from Hartford, and is no doubt taking the proper measures to unravel fully so Hellish a Plot [78.] [major-gen'l Greene's orders.] Head Quarters, Orange Town, September 27th, 1780. At a Division Gen'l Court Martial, 17th inst. Col. Smith President, Peter Nooney, James Moore, Jno. Mellen and Jonas Welch, soldiers in Col. Steward's Regiment of Light Infantry, were tried for robbery ; severally found guilty of the charge, and sentenc'd to suffer death, more than two-thirds of the Court agree ing thereto. Major-Gen'l Greene approves the sentences. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. Ill [79.] Head Quarters, Orange Town, September 30th, 1780. Col. Pickering* having been appointed by the Hon orable the Congress, Ouarter-Master-General of the Army of the United States, he is to be obey'd and res pected as such. Henry Manuel Sutherton, Esq. is also appointed Commissary of Forage. As the direction of the Wagon Department is a charge of great importance in foreign armies, and generally entrusted to a field offi cer of the Line, and as it is thought the service will be benefitted by a similar practice in our Army, Major Cogswefi, of the 1st Mass'ts Regiment, is appointed Wagon-Master to the main Army, and is to be obeyed as such. The Commander-in-Chief takes this occasion to thank Major-General Greene for the able and satis factory manner in which he has discharg'd the duties of the Ouarter-Master-General's Department, during his continuance in that office, and also to express his approbation of Major-Gen'l Greene's conduct and or ders during his absence. * Gen. Greene refused to continue as Qr.-Mr.-Gen'l, under the new regulations respecting that Dep't, which had been established by Con gress, July 15, 1780, and Col. Pickering was appointed by that Body his successor Aug. 5th, " with the rank of Col. and the pay and rations ol a Brig.-Gen'l, over and above the pay allowed the Qr.-Mr.-Gen'l in the late arrangement of the Qr.-Mr.'s Dep't." 112 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS [80.] Head Quarters, Orange Town, October 1st, 1780. The Board of General Officers* appointed to ex amine into the case of Major Andre have reported— 1st That he came on shore from the Vulture Sloop of War in the night of the 21st of September last, on an interview with General Arnold, in a private and secret manner; 2ndly. That he chang'd his dress .within our lines, and, under a feign'd name and dis- guis'd habit, pass'd our works at Stoney and Ver plank's Points the evening of the 22nd of Septem ber last, and was taken the 23rd of September last, at Tarrytown, in a disguis'd habit, being then on his way to N. York, and when taken, he had in his pos session several papers which contain'd intelligence for the Enemy. The Board having maturely consider'd those facts, do also report to his Excellency General Washing ton, that Major Andre, Adjutant-General of the Brit ish Army, ought to be consider'd as a Spy from the Enemy, and that, agreeably to the Law and usage of Nations, it is their opinion that he ought to suffer death. — The Commander-in-Chief directs the execu tion of the above sentence, in the usual way, this af ternoon, at 5 o'clock.f * The Board here referred to, consisted of Major-Gen. Greene, as President, and Major-Generals Marquis La Fayette and Baron Steuben. t In the " After Gen'l Orders," it was announced that " the execution of Major Andre is postponed till tomorrow." In the " Evening Orders," OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 113 At a Division Gen'l Court Martial of the 11th of September last, Lieut-Col. Commandant Shearman, President, Major was tried on the following charges : 1st, for embezzling public property and en deavouring to induce the Ouarter-Master of the Re giment to assist him in embezzling powder for his own private use; 2nd, for making up two enormous bifis against Col. Nelson, an inhabitant of Morristown, for taking up a stray horse, the property of said Nelson, and that without any expense to himself; 3rd, for giving a discharge to a soldier in the 7th Reg't that he was enlisted for three years only, when he had re peatedly mustered him for during the war, and sworn to the Muster Rolls. — The Court, on considering the 1st and 3rd charges against Major , are of opin ion that the charge of embezzling public property is not supported, therefore do acquit him of it ; but find him guilty of the other part of the 1st and 3rd charges, being a breach of article 5th, section 18th, of the Articles of War, and sentence him to be repri manded in Division Orders. The General is sorry to be under the disagreeable necessity of differing in opinion with the Court, but he thinks the sentence entirely inadequate to charges of so serious a nature, as those of which they find Major guilty. He is released from arrest of the same date, it was announced, "Major Andre is to be executed to morrow at 12 o'clock precisely. A Battalion of 80 files from each wing to attend the execution.'' 15 114 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS [81.] Head Quarters,* October 7, 1780. ROUT AND ORDER OF MARCH. The Army will march at the hours prescribed, in two columns, in the following order, viz : One column, consisting of the Connecticut Divi sion, Park of Artifiery, General Howe's Division, Baron de Steuben's Division, will move by the right, in the order they are named, and wifi take the rout by Paramus to Totoway. Lord Stirling will have the direction of this coluran. The baggage will precede the column. The order of the Brigades, immediately after the Van Guard, consisting of the new Guards of the column, the Commander-in-Chief's baggage, and that of the Gen eral Staff, in front The Rear Guard, consisting of the old Guards, wifi succeed the column at 400 paces distance, and wifi be succeeded by Col. Moyland's Regiment of Light Dragoons, which wifi send out the necessary patroles. The Light Corps wifi receive particular instructions for itself Its baggage will cross the river at the Bridge near Demenes, and advance to the junction of the roads leading to Paramus by Bogart's Mills, where it will halt until the baggage of the Army passes, and then fafi immediately in the rear. The other column, consisting of the late Poor's, Stark's, New-York, and New Jersey Brigades, is to * Issued, it would appear, at Orange Town, OF GENERAL WASHINGTON, 115 move by the left in the order the Brigades are nara'd, and to take its orders from Major-General Greene, The Regiment of Delaware Militia will march at the same time from Dobbs' Ferry, and by the same route of the first column, tifi it joins the Army, The Massachusetts Corps will march with the first column, and wifi patrole during the march, for the purpose of taking up stragglers and preventing disor ders. The General expects the strictest conformity to the Regulations, and the greatest attention to pre serve regularity, and particularly, when the Army halts, to prevent the wanton destruction of fences. This column will make a short halt to refresh at Bogart's Mifis, AFTER ORDERS. The Inspectors will, this week, inspect into the state of the arms in their respective Divisions, and on Sunday wifi deliver to the Inspector-Gen'l, an ac count agreeably to the form which wifi be shown them by the Adjutant-General, In those Divisions which have no Inspector, the eldest Major of Brigade wifi act as such. A Field Officer from General Howe's Division, with a Com- mission'd Officer from each Division in the Army, are to take the superintending of the sick who are sent to the Flying Hospital, The Van Guard of the right column wifi be form'd on the Grand Parade at 7 o'clock precisely. The Camp colour men are to be paraded at the same time. 116 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS The Brigade and Regimental Ouarter-Masters wifi attend at the same time and place. The Rear Guard wifi parade at 9 o'clock on the Grand Parade. Brigadier-Gen'l Glover, with Lieut. Commandant Sheaiman, will attend the Van; Lieut-Col. Com mandant Smith, with Lieut.-Col. Whiting, and Major Wiley, will take command of the Rear Guard. The baggage will begin to file off at 8 o'clock. The members of the General C't Martial, whereof Col. Henry Jackson is President, will march with the right column. [82.] Head Quarters, Paramus, October 8th, 1780. If the weather be fair tomorrow, the Army will march. The order for marching the same as yester day. An Officer from each Brigade wifi be sent back this afternoon, on the road by which the Army has marched, to pick up stragglers, and to see that the wagons which may have been left in the rear are brought on. Half the Camp colour men, and a Com pany of Artificers, are to be paraded as soon as possi ble, near General Glover's Ouarters. An Officer from each Division will take charge of them. Col. Tupper is requested to take direction of the whole, and superintend the repairs of the road between this and Totoway Bridge. The Officers commanding Regiments are desired to see that the men's cartridge OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 117 boxes and ammunition are dried this afternoon. Gen eral Howe's Division furnishes the rear Piquets near Head Ouarters. [83.] Head Quarters, 'I'otoway, October 9th, 1780. The Grand Parade is assigned for the present near the Great Fafis, where the guards and piquets are to parade at six o'clock this afternoon ; the troop to beat at 8 o'clock till further orders, and the guards to be on the Grand Parade at nine, precisely. Col. Mayland, with his Regiment of Cavalry, will take post near the Little Falls ; and Major Parr, with his Corps, at the Notch, and both wifi patrole on the roads towards Newark and Aquahanack. The Marquis De La Fayette will post Major Lee's Corps on his left, and take care of the approaches to his encampment As the Army is encamped very conveniently for wood, the destruction of fences will be without excuse, and must be prevented at all events. The Officers commanding Divisions and Brigades are particularly requested to examine the present state of them, that they may be better able to detect and punish offenders against this order. The Gene ral wishes, also, that afi possible care may be taken to prevent injury to the fruit trees ; in which he in- 118 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS eludes the chestnut, many of which he has seen cut down in order to come at the nut The Massachusetts Corps wifi perform the duties of the Camp, and Captain Bedkin's Corps wfil furnish Orderlies to Head Ouarters. [84.] Head Quarters, Totoway, October 13th, 1780. At a Gen'l Court Martial held at Fort Pitt, the 14th August last. Colonel Gibson, President, Capt of the Maryland Independent Corps, was tried for discharging a soldier after being duly enfisted, and receiving his regimental clothing, through private and interested views ; thereby defrauding the United States. — Found guilty, being a breach of the 1st arti cle, 12th section, of the Articles of War, and sen tenced to be dismissed from the service. The Comraander-in-Chief approves the sentence, and orders it to take place. At the same Court, David Gambell, a soldier in the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment, was tried on the following charges; first, Desertion; second, for having counter feit money in his possession. — Unanimously found guilty, being a breach of article 1st, section 6th, of the Articles of War, and sentenced to suffer death. The Commander-in-Chief confirms the sentence, and orders that David Garabell be executed at such OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 119 time and place as the Commanding Officer of the Western Department shall direct. [ 85. ] Head Quarters, Totoway, October 15th, 1780. The Issuing Commissaries are to deliver all their sheep and calf skins to the Field Commissary of Military Stores with the Park of Artillery, who will have them properly dressed for drum heads. In the present divided state of the Array the fofiow ing is to be the order of battle. The two Pennsylvania and first and second Massa chusetts Brigades will compose the first Line ; the two Connecticut and third and fourth Massachusetts Brigades, the second Line ; the right Wing will consist of the Pennsylvania and Connecticut Brigades, under the command of Maj'r-Gen'l Lord Stirling; and the left Wing, of the four Massachusetts Brigades, commanded by Maj'r-Gen'l St Clair. The Light Infantry, with the Rifle Corps under Major Parr, and Lee's Legion, wifi compose the advanced Corps of the Array, under the coramand of Major-Gen'l Marquis De La Fayette. An alarm wifi be communicated from the Park by two guns, as usual, upon which (or in forming at any other time) Moyland's Dragoons will take post on the right, and the Massachusetts with Bedkin's Troop on the left of the first Line. As Head Ouarters are somewhat 120 REVOLUTIONARY. ORDERS remote from Camp, and as it is inconvenient for the Officers of the Day to attend as heretofore, the General dispenses with their attendance, whfie the Army remains in its present situation, when there is nothing more than common to report. He hopes and expects to have the pleasure of the company of the refieved Officers, as usual, at Dinner ; at which time their reports may be handed to him. [86.] Head Quarters, Totoway, October 16th, 1780. The Regimental Surgeons are requested to send such sick as are proper objects for Hospitals to the Flying Hospital at Demone's, Lord Stirling's former Ouarters on tfie Poraptou Road. A return of shirts actually wanted, estiraating one o a man, by tfie Corps of Artillery, Infantry, and Cavalry, to be made tomorrow at the Orderly time. None to be included but the soldiers enlisted for the war, or a term beyond the expiration of the present year. The Light Infantry to be included in the Re turns of the Regiment to which they respectively be long. — The State Clothiers are strictly enjoin'd to make returns at the same time of any clothing they may have on hand. N. B. The Levies are not to be included. OF GENEITAL WASHINGTON. 121 [87.] Head Quarters,* October 19th, 1780. The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to make the fofiowing promotions and appointments: Brigadier Gen'l Smallwood, to tfie rank of Major- General; Col. Daniel Morgan, to tfie rank of Briga dier-General; Mr. Abraham Skinner, Commissary- General of Prisoners ; Doctor Wifiiam Shippen, Jr. Director-General ; Doctor John Cochran, Chief Physician and Surgeon to the Army; Doctor James Crooks, Doctor Malachai Treat, Doctor Charles Mc- Knight, Chief Hospital Physicians ; Thos. Bond, Jr., Purveyor; Isaac Ledgerd, Ass't Purveyor; Doctor Andrew Craige, Apothecary ; William Johonnet, Ass't Apothecary ; Doctors James Tillitson, Sam'l Adams, David Townsend, Henry Latemar, Francis Hogan, Pfiilip Turner, William Burnet, John War ren, Moses Scoot, David Jackson, Bodo Otto, Moses Bloomfield, Wilfiara Eustis, George Draper, and Barnabas Benny, Hospital Physicians and Surgeons. The Honorable the Congress have been pleased, in just abhorrence of the perfidy of his conduct, to pass the following act : In Congress, October 4th, 1780. " Resolved, That the Board of War be, and here by are, directed to erase from the Register of the * Place not noted, probably Totoway. 16 122 REVOLUTIONARY- ORDERS names of the Officers of the Army of the United States, the name of Benedict Arnold. [88.] Head Quarters, Totoway, October 20th, 1780. The Grand Parade is changed to a field between General St. Clair's and Huntington's Ouarters. The Officer commanding the Provost Guard is, up on the requisition of the President of a Court Martial, to send the prisoners demanded under a proper Guard to the Court. — Should circumstances at any time ren der the making a detachment from the Provost Guard unsafe, the Officer is to acquaint the President, that an escort may be obtained from the Troops nearest at hand. [89.] Head Quarters, Totoway, ' October 23d, 1780. The Corps of Light Infantry wfil remove from their present encampment, and take post on the most convenient ground to the Cranetown Gap and the Notch, for the more effectual security of our right. — General St. Clair will take care of the ap proaches on the left, Col. Mayland's Regiment wiU OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 123 furnish the necessary patrols, and wifi take a new po sition for that purpose. The Officers of the Army are to be furnished with two rations per day, till further orders. [90.] Head Quarters, Totoway, October 27th, 1780. The General has the pleasure to congratulate the Army on an important advantage lately obtained, in North Carolina, over a Corps of fourteen hundred men, British Troops, and new Levies, commanded by Colonel Ferguson. The Militia of the neighbouring County, under Cols. Wifiiams, Shelby, and others, having asserabled to the number of about three thousand men, a de tachment of sixteen hundred was sent on horseback to fall in with Ferguson's party, on its march to Charlotte. They came up with the enemy at a place cafied King's Mountain, advantageously posted, and gave him a Total Defeat, in which Colonel Fer guson, and a hundred and fifty of his men, were killed, eight hundred made prisoners, and fifteen hundred stand of arras taken. On our part, the loss was inconsiderable. We have only to regret that the brave Colonel Williams was mortally wounded. — These advantages will, in all probabifity, have a very happy influence on opera- 124 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS tions in that quarter, and are a proof of the spirit and resources of the country. [91.] Head Quarters, Totoway, October 30th, 1780. At a General Court Martial, Philadelphia, Sept 27, 1780, Colonel Francis Johnson, President, Doc tor James B. Sharp was tried for disobedience of orders, and found guilty, being a breach of section 2nd, art 5th, of the Articles of War, and sentenced to be reprimanded in General Orders. But the Court, considering the peculiar situation in which the Di- , rector- General placed Doctor Sharp, by having ordered him not to receive sick in the Hospital with out an order previously countersigned by him, or a senior Surgeon, (which order the Court is of opinion was not warrantable,) recommend it to the Com mander-in-Chief to remit the sentence. The General is sorry to disagree in opinion with the Court ; as the order given by the Director-Gene ral appears to him to have been founded in experience, and the common practice of service, as wefi as con sonant with the spirit of a General Order, of the 21st of January, 1778. Doctor Sharp is released from arrest At a Gen'l Court Martial of the Line, whereof Col. Bafiey is President, the 16th inst, Col. Thos. Proctor, of the Artifiery, was tried on the fofiowing OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 125 charges : First, Mustering men in his Reg't as soldiers, and returning thera on command, when they were doing the duty of servants in his and other families in the city of Philadelphia ; 2nd, Discharging soldiers of his Regiment for sums of money ; Srd, Fraud, in the settlement of his recruiting accounts ; 4th, Signing a false certificate to a return for Ouarter-Master's Stores ; 5th, Discharging a number of able-bodied men from his Regiment, to the great prejudice of the service. The Court are of opinion that Colonel Proctor is not guilty of either of the charges exhibited against him, and do acquit him with honor. The General entirely approves the determination of the Court. He cannot forbear remarking, that the prosecution on the part of Captain was vex atious, groundless, and illiberal. It is with pain that he has seen several instances, for some tirae past, in which personal pique has given birth to prosecutions as unjust as they were indelicate and improper. Colonel Proctor is released from arrest [92,] Head Quarters, Totoway, October 31st, 1780. At a General Court Martial of the Line, Fishkill, Oct. 25th, 1780, Col. Hazen President, Col. Efisha Sheldon, of the 2nd Reg't Light Dragoons, was tried on the fofiowing charges; 1st, Injuring the public ser vice, by discharging, without proper authority, from 126 REVOLUTIO.NARY ORDERS said Regiment, a number of men enfisted for Conti nental bounty, and with encouragement to serve during the war ; 2nd, Defrauding the Pubfic, by sell ing and exchanging away regimental horses, and converting the avails to his own use ; 3rd, Defrauding the officers and soldiers of plunder taken in action, and converting tfie avails to his own private use; 4th, For unofficer and ungentlemanfike behaviour. The Court are of opinion that he. Col. Sheldon, is not guilty of either of the charges exhibited as aforesaid, and do acquit him with honor, and with full approbation. And the Court on this occasion think it a duty further to add, that the charges did not originate from a zeal for, or design to serve, the United States, but rather through private animosity, pique, or prejudice, and that the prosecution is vexa tious and malicious; and that Doctor , the com plainant, is justly chargeable with all tfie expense attending the Court Martial, on the trial of Col. Efisha Sheldon. His Excefiency the Commander-in-Chief confirms the opinion of the Court, and orders Col. Efisha Sheldon released from arrest [93,] Head Quarters, Totoway, Nov. 1st, 1780. The Commander-in-Chief has the happiness to inform the Army, that the Honorable the Congress OP GENERAL WASHINGTON. 127 has been pleased, by their acts of the 3d and 21st of October, to pass the following " Resolution." He is persuaded that the liberal provision now made will give universal satisfaction, and, as it evinces the justice and generosity of Congress, will add new motives to the zeal and exertions of the Officers. " That such of the sixteen additional Regiments as have not been annexed to the Line of some partic ular State, and all the several Light Corps of the Army, both of Horse and Foot, (Col. Hazen's Regi ment, Col. Armand's and Major Lee's Corps excepted,) and also the German Battalion, be reduced on the first day of January next ; that the non-commissioned officers and privates, in those several Corps, be incor porated with the troops of their respective States, and that such of thera as do not belong to any particular State, be annexed to such Corps as the Commander- in-Chief shafi direct, " That the regular Army of the United States, from and after the first day of January next, consist of four Regiments of mounted and dismounted Dragoons, or Legionary Corps : four Regiments of Artillery ; forty- nine Regiments of Infantry ; exclusive of Col. Hazen's Reg't, Colonel Armand's Partizan Corps ; Major Lee's ditto ; and one Reg't of Artificers. "That each Regiraent, or Legionary Corps, con sist of four Troops of mounted Dragoons, and two dismounted Dragoons, each consisting of sixty pri vates, with the same number of commissioned and non-commissioned Officers as at present; that the Par tizan Corps, commanded by Col. Armand, and Major 128 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS Lee, consist of three Troops of mounted and three of dismounted Dragoons, of fifty each, to be officered by the Commander-in-Chief by the approbation of Congress; and that the Commander-in-Chief be au thorized to direct a mode for completing, remounting, and supplying said Corps. "That each Regiraent of Artfilery consist of ten companies, and that each company consist of sixty- five non-commissioned Officers and matrosses, with the same number of non-coraraissioned Officers as at present " That each Regiment of Infantry requested from the several States, shall consist of 1 Colonel, 1 Lieutenant-Colonel, and 1 Major, where the fufi Colonels are continued; or, one Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant, and two Majors, where the Colonels are not continued. 9 Captains, 22 Subalterns, 1 Surgeon, 1 Surgeon's Mate, 1 Sergeant-Major, 1 Ouarter-Master-Sergeant, 45 Sergeants, 1 Drum-Major, 1 Fife-Major, 10 Drummers, 10 Fifers, and 612 Rank and Ffie. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 129 "That there be one Captain and two Subalterns to each Company ; and that the four supernumerary Subalterns shall each have the rank of Lieutenant, one of whom is to reside in the State to which he be longs, to enlist and forward Recruits ; one drum and one fife to attend the Recruiting Officer; the other three Supernumerary Officers to do the duty of Pay- Master, Ouarter-Master, and Adjutant in their re spective Regiments. "And that the Regiment of Artificers consist of eight Companies, and each Company consist of sixty non- Commissioned Officers and Privates. " The whole of the Troops to be enlisted during the War, and join their respective Corps by the first day of January next, "That the several States furnish the following Ouotas, viz: New Hampshire, two Regiments of Infantry ; Massachusetts Bay, ten Regiments of Infantry, and one of Artillery ; Rhode Island, one Regiment of Infantry ; Connecticut, five Regiments of Infantry, and one of Cavalry ; New- York, two Regiments of Infantry, and one of Artfilery ; New Jersey, two Regiments of Infantry ; Pennsylvania, six Regiments of Infantry, one of Artillery, one of Cavalry, and one of Artificers; Delaware, one Regiment of Infantry ; Maryland, five Regiments of Infantry ; 17 130 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS Vurginia, eight Regiments of Infantry, one of Ar tifiery, and two of Cavalry ; North Carofina, four Regiments of Infantry; South Carofina, two Regiments of Infantry ; Georgia, one Regiraent of Infantry, " That the Regiments of Cavalry, Artillery, and Artificers, as they now stand, be consider'd as belong ing to the States respectively to which they are, or may be assigned, which State shall complete them to the complement, supply them with necessaries, and in every respect treat them as if originally rais'd there in ; and that such other States as now have non-com- mission'd officers or privates in any of the Regi ments aforesaid, be credited in their quotas for such men, according to their number, from time to time ; for which purpose the Commander-in-Chief is hereby directed to specify such non-commissioned officers and privates, and tfie State to wfiich they formerly belong' d, in the return which he shall make to the States, and in his annual return to Congress, " That the Regiment commanded by Col, Moses Hazen, be continued on its present establishment ; and that all non-commissioned officers and privates, being foreigners, belonging to any of the reduc'd Regiments and Corps, be incorporated therewith ; and all volun teers from foreign States, who are now in the service, or may hereafter join the American Army, be annex'd to the said Regiment. " That the Commander-in-Chief and Commanding Officer in the Southern Department, direct the Officers of each State to meet, and agree upon the Officers OP GENERAL WASHINGTON. 131 for the Regiments to be rais'd by their respective State, from those who incline to continue in the ser vice ; and where it cannot be done by agreement, to be determin'd by seniority ; and make return of those who are to remain, which return is to be transmitted to Congress, together with the names of the Officers reduc'd, who are to be afiow'd half-pay for life. " That the Officers who shafi continue in service untfi the end of the War, shall be entitled to half-pay during life, to commence from the time of their reduc tion. " That the Officers at Camp be empower'd and di rected to use every prudent measure, and improve every favorable opportunity, to enlist, for the contin uance of the War, such of the men belonging to their respective States as are not engag'd for that period. " That two dofiars be granted to the Recruiting Officer for every able-bodied soldier he shall enlist for the War, who shafi join the Army ; and that a sum not exceeding fifty dollars, be allow'd to every such Recruit. " That the clothing be furnish'd, and regularly serv'd out, to the Troops as it becomes due, and that a fufi compensation be made for any arrearages of clothing." The General directs that the Officers of the several Lines will meet accordingly, and agree upon an ar rangement, as speedily as may be, of the Officers who remain in service, and of those who retire, reporting the same to Head Ouarters. It is of course to be un- stood, that none can retire with the benefit of the pro- 132 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS vision here made, except such a number as exceeds that which is requir'd in the estabfishment of the Regiments. The General Officers of the respective Lines wfil be pleased to assist in this arrangement. [94,] Head Quarters, Totoway, Nov, 6th, 1780. The Honorable the Board of War having call'd for a return of all Officers holding military rank, who are not adopted by, or consider'd as belonging to any State, in order that means may be fallen upon to make good the depreciation of their former pay, a return of all those who come under the above descrip tion is to be made to the Adjutant- General by the first day of December next But, as Line Officers, who are interested in the foregoing, may be at too great a distance to send in their names by the above time, they are requested to do it as soon as possible after wards, not exceeding the first day of January next The General has just rec'd information, that Colo nel Ogden and Capt, Dayton, who were in Elizabeth- Town, were taken last night in their beds by the enemy : a convincing proof that they have the most minute intefiigence of every thing that passes in that place, and that it is dangerous for an Officer, (ex cept with a Guard or the sanction of a flag,) to remain there during the night He has assured the Officers in General Orders, that, if any of them are taken when out of the line of their duty, and by OP GENERAL WASHINGTON. 133 their own imprudence, their exchange shall be post poned while there is an Officer remaining in captivity of their rank. He again repeats this in the most solemn terms, with this further declaration, that, whenever they are exchanged, they shall be arrested, and a full investi gation had into the circumstances of their capture. The General means this as a caution to the Army, not as a refiection upon the present conduct , of Col, Ogden, who, he befieves, was in the execution of bu siness, by proper authority. He is yet uninform'd of the reason of Capt Dayton's being at Elizabeth- Town. — It is with infinite regret that the General is oblig'd to take notice of the disorderly conduct of the soldiers, arising in a great measure from the abuse of passes. The whole country is overspread with strag gling soldiers, who, under the most frivolous pretences, commit every species of robbery and plunder. In a ride he took the other day, he found the soldiers as low as Aquahanack Bridge, on both sides of the river, and as far as he has ever yet gone, around the environs of the camp, the roads and farm-houses are full of them. To remedy this evil, and to have them ready for any sudden emergency, the General does, in the most express and positive terras, forbid all but General Offi cers, and Officers commanding Regiments, to grant passes ; and not more than eight from a Regiment are to be given by the latter in the day time, and those only to soldiers of orderly conduct. 134 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS [ 95. ] Head Quarters, Totoway, Nov. 7th, 1780. At a General Court Martial of the Line, whereof Col. Bafiey is President, 30th Oct last. Major , of the 12th Massachusetts Regiment, was tried on the Resolves of Congress of November 6, 1779, respecting absent Officers, he being charg'd with overstaying his furlough from the 2nd of January last The Court, on consideration, are of opinion that Major , having been indulged with a furlough, and not joining his Regiment at the expiration thereof has been pro perly notified, agreeably to the Resolves of Congress of Dec. 6, 1779, and that he has neglected to join his Regiment agreeably to such notification ; and do sentence that he be cashier'd. The Commander-in-Chief confirms the opinion of the Court, and orders it carried into execution. [96.] IS Head Quarters, Totoway, Nov. 11th, 1780, At a Gen'l Court Martial, whereof Col. Bafiey i President, Capt. , of the Srd Connecticut Regi ment, was tried for having knowingly made a false Muster-Rofi of G B , a soldier of his company. The Court are of opinion that the charge agafiist Capt is not supported.— The Commander-in- Chief is under the necessity of disapproving the sen- OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 135 tence, as it appears to him incontestably prov'd (if any credit is to be given to Muster-Roils, invariably at tested for three years, and other evidence,) that G B was enlisted for the War. Had he been enlisted by another officer, it is possible that Capt might have been deceiv'd by a false return ; but when it is considered that the soldier in question was his son, and enlisted by himself the General cannot conceive it possible that he could have made a mistake, and continued in his error so long. If G B is not dismiss'd from the service, he is to be detain'd until further inquiry be made. [97,] Head Quarters, Totoway, Nov. 14th, 1780 At a General Court Martial, whereof Col. Bafiey is President, the 10th inst, Lieut. Reeves, of the 10th Pennsylvania Regiment, was tried for a breach of General Orders of the 6th inst, in granting a pass to Daniel Ouin, a soldier in the 10th Pennsylvania Re giment. — The Court, on consideration, are of opinion that Lieut Reeves sign'd a pass for Dan'l Ouin to pass to the Light Infantry Camp, on which Ouin pass'd in breach of General Orders. But it appears to the Court, that it was the intention of Lieut Reeves that the pass should be sign'd by the Com manding Officer of the Regiment. On this considera tion, and the custom of the Regiment, they think 136 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS Lieut Reeves excusable. — The Coraraander-in-Chief approves the sentence, and Lieut Reeves is released from arrest To prevent accidents of the same kind happening in future, the Commanding Officers of Companies will only recommend the soldiers to the Commanding Officers of Regiments for passes. This will put it out of their power to make use of the writ ing of which they are possess'd before it is properly authenticated. [98,] Head Quarters, Totoway, Nov. 15th, 1780, As nothing adds more to the handsome appearance of a corps than uniformity of dress, the General recom mends, thus early, to the Field Officers newly arranged, to fix upon a fashion for the Regimental clothing of the Officers of their respective corps (if it is not already done), confining themselves to the grounds, facings, linings, and buttons, already assigned to the States to which they'belong. The General sees, with concern, the difficulties which the Officers labor under in procuring clothes; it is not, therefore, his wish that those who are already furnished should run themselves to the expense of new uniforms, if their old are not exactly conformable, but that they should in future strictly comply with the Regimental fashion, and, if possible, get their old clothes altered to it. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 137 It has a very odd appearance, especially to foreign ers, to see Officers of the same Corps differing from each other in the fashion of their facings, sleeves, and pockets of their coats. An attention to these minutiae has been thought necessary and proper in afi services. It becomes peculiarly so in ours at this time, as we shafi, it is more than probable, take the field next Campaign in conjunction with our Allies, composed of the first Troops in Europe, who will receive impressions and form opinions from the first view. This again induces the General to exhort all Offi cers, who continue in service, to make themselves perfectly masters of every thing contained in the Rules and Regulations of the Army, that there may be strict uniformity in our manoeuvres and discipline, especially to the honours paid to Officers, according to their several ranks ; a thing scrupulously attended to and expected in foreign services. Strict attention is to be paid to the order of the 18th June, distinguishing the rank of Officers by their badges.* [99,] Head Quarters, Totoway, November 16, 1780, The Coraraander-in-Chief takes occasion to re mind the Officers of the astonishing number of arms which have heretofore been carried off by the dis- * This order of tlie " 18th June" does not appear in Adj't Whiting's Books, 18 138 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS charg'd men, and enjoins the strictest attention to that matter at the approaching dismission of the Levies. The Commanding Officers of Regiments wifi be answerable for all deficiencies which cannot be ac counted for. The Commander-in-Chief is pleas'd to accept and approve of the following report of a Court of Enquiry held at West Point, the 2d instant, to ex amine into the conduct of Lieut-Col. Varick, in his connection with the late Major-General Arnold, du ring his command at West Point, and relative to his desertion to the enemy. Col, Van Schaick, Presi dent, Lieut-Cols. Cobb and Durham, Major Read and Captain Cox, members. The Court unani mously report their opinion, that Lt.-Col. Varick's conduct, with respect to the base peculations and treasonable practices of the late General Arnold, is not only unimpeachable, but think him entitled (throughout every part of his conduct) to a degree of merit that does him great honour as an officer, and particularly distinguishes him as a sincere friend to his country. [ 100. ] [gen'l Howe's order,] Head Quarters, Totoway, November 17th, 1780. The punishment assign'd by the sentence of the Court Martial to the crime of Wfifiam Winsor, is, in OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 139 the General's opinion, very inadequate to the offence, and therefore meets his disapprobation. Winsor has several times deserted, and every circumstance of his conduct on each occasion, indicates an intention to join the enemy. An hundred lashes has already, and very lately, been inflicted upon him for his last deser tion; he remain'd unreclaim'd by it, and deserted again ; was taken below the American Lines at Hack- ensack, which is directly towards the enemy, and out of the way to West Point, to which place he was or dered on command. For the offence of desertion, heinous even in the first instance, and abominable when repeated, he is sentenc'd to the puny punishment of a hundred lashes; a punishment which experience demonstrates has been ineffectual. The General therefore, reluc tant to punish, and more especially when no good ef fect can be expected from it, orders Winsor to be re- leas'd from confinement, and to join his Regiment And as he cannot think of punishing a less offender, when a more atrocious criminal is forgiven, he par dons Brown also, and orders hira to return to duty. General Howe is concern'd that he differs in opinion from the Court, but as he does, both the service and sincerity call upon him to declare it, notwithstanding his respect for them. The Court Martial is dissolv'd. 140 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS [ 101. ] Head Quarters, Totoway, November 21st, 1780. The General having received intelligence that the enemy mean to make a Forage in this State, the Army is to be held in readiness to move at a moment's warning. It will keep two days' provisions cook'd before hand. The Officers are to remain in Camp, and no passes granted to soldiers to go beyond the limits of the Camp, till further orders. The Ouarter- Master-General wifi have orders respecting the horses of the Army, [ 102. ] Totoway, Nov. 22d, 1780. AFTER DIVISION ORDERS. John Cofiings and Mark Newhafi, who were under sentence, having been petition'd for by Col. Vose and several other Officers, Gen. Howe, out of respect to those Officers, consents to pardon the criminals, pro vided that Cofiings pay sixty, and Newhall ninety dollars, by way of restitution to the person injur'd. — This money to be sent to Col. Sproat previous to their discharge, upon which they are to return to duty. OP GENERAL WASHINGTON. 141 [ 103. ] Head Quarters, Totoway, Nov. 23d, 1780. The Army wifi march tomorrow at 11 o'clock. The General wfil beat at 10 ; the assembly at ^ past 10 ; and the march will commence precisely at 11. The Ouarter-Master-General wifi ftirnish the Orders of March and Route. The Troops wifi have two days' provisions cook'd. [ 104. ] Head Quarters, Totoway, Nov. 26th, 1780. The Army will march tomorrow morning. The General will beat at 9 ; the assembly at half past 9 o'clock, and the march will commence precisely at 10. The Ouarter-Master-General will furnish the Route and Order of March. The Troops are to draw and carry 3 days' bread or fiour, as there are not wagons for the purpose. The Light Corps is dissolved, and the several Companies wifi return to their respective Regiments. The General presents his thanks to the Marquis De La Fayette, and the Officers and men under his command, for the excellent order and soldierly dis position which have been conspicuous in the Corps. He regrets that opportunities did not offer to avail himself of that zeal and ardor which in this corps, 142 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS and in the Army at large, afforded the strongest assu rances of success; nor can he forbear remarking that this campaign, as well as the former, has exhibited proofs of the patience and patriotism of the Troops, in cheerfully supporting those wants and distresses which the peculiar situation of our country has at different times rendered inevitable. The Light Companies of the New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and New York Regiments, sending off their baggage with that of the Massachusetts and Connecticut Companies, wfil raarch themselves by a route which will be given thera by the Marquis De La Fayette. The Light Companies of the Jersey Line wiU take charge of the boats at Dodd's, and receive orders at Head Ouarters. Major Parr's Corps of Riflemen wifi move with the Pennsylvania Division, but wifi remain a separate corps, and wifi be attentive to keeping their rifies in good order. BRIGADE ORDERS. At a Brigade Court-Martial of which Lieut-Col. Hull was President, John Wabbin, soldier in the 5th Massachusetts Regiment, was tried for leaving his post, whfie a sentinel, and sleeping ; John Vermilyea, Frank Bodjereau, Josiah Everett and William Thor- nington, soldiers in the Company of Artillery annexed to the Brigade, were tried for stealing and kifiing two sheep and a pig. — All found guilty, and sentenced to receive a hundred lashes each on their bare backs, OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 143 and the four latter to pay Captain Vanblaragin one hundred Continental dofiars. The Commanding Officer of the Brigade approves the several sentences, and orders them put in execu tion this evening at roll call. [ 105. ] EXTRACTS FROM GENERAL ORDERS. Head Quarters, Morristown, Nov. 29th, 1780. The General has the pleasure to inform the Array that Major Talraadge, with a party of sixty dis mounted Dragoons of the 2d Regiment, surprized Fort St. George on Long Island, and captured a Col onel, Captain, Lieutenant, Surgeon, and fifty men ; that he destroyed the works, burnt a vessel laden with stores in the harbour, and the King's Magazine at Coram, containing upwards of three hundred tons of hay, and returned without the loss of a man, having only one wounded. Of the eneray, seven were left dead, or mortally wounded, at the Fort A. SCAMMELL, Adj't-Gen'l, 144 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS [ 106, ] [gen'l heath's ORDERS,] Head Quarters, West Point, Dec. 3d, 1780. Brig.-Gen'l Huntingdon wifi please to assign one Regiment of the Conn. Line to the defence of the North Redout, one to the Middle Redout, and one to the works on Constitution Island, which works are to be considered as the Posts of those three Regi ments in case of alarm ; the other Regiments of the Line, in such case, are to be held in readiness to act as circumstances may require. The 4th Mass'ts Brigade is assigned to the de fence of Fort Clinton and its dependencies ; the 2nd Brigade to the defence of Forts Putnam, Wifiis and Webb ; Col. Shepard's and Col. Bigelow's to the for mer. Col. Vose's to Fort Willis, and Lt-Col. Com mandant Smith's to Fort Webb : the 1st and 3d to act as circumstances may require, and, on all alarms, to form on their Brigade Parades, ready to receive orders. The Connecticut Line is to mount a Captain's Guard at the Continental vfilage for the security of the public stores, and guarding that avenue into the Highlands.* » This extract is given to show the Military localities of West Point at that early day. OF general WASHINGTON. 145 [ 107. ] Head Quarters, New Windsor, Dec. 8th, 1780. A return to be made to the Adjutant-General by the 12th inst, of the Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates in the Connecticut Line enlisted to serve during the War, specifying their names, and the Towns, or Districts, to which they belong. A like return to be nijide, by the same time, of all men belonging to the State of Connecticut, who are serving in any of the additional Regiments (Colonel Hazen's excepted), in the Artifiery, Cavalry, Sappers and Miners, or Artificers. It is expected that these re turns will be made with the greatest accuracy, and that none wifi be included but those who are enlisted for the War, as the true deficiency of the State Ouota of men wifi depend upon them. A party of one Captain, one Subaltern and fifty men, from tfie new Levies, used to threshing, to take orders from the Adjutant-General. The Commander-in-Chief is pleased to accept and approve the fofiowing report of a Court of Inquiry held at West Point the 19 th day of Nov. last, to ex amine into the conduct of Major David S. Franks, in his connection with the late Major-General Arnold, during his coraraand at West Point, and relative to his desertion to the enemy, Colonel H. Jackson Pres ident, Lieutenant-Col. Dearborn, Major Reid, Capt's Cox and Walker, members. — The Court report their opinion, that every part of Major David S. Frank's conduct, was not only unexceptionable, but refiects 19 146 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS the highest honour on hira as an officer; distinguishes him as a zealous friend to the Independence of America, and justly entitles him to the attention and confidence of his Countrymen. " Extract from General Orders." A. ScAMMELL, Adj't Gen'l. [ 108. ] GARRISON ORDERS. West Point, Dec. 10th, 1780. A small quantity of rum having arrived, the Offi- ers are to be served with a week's afiowance; afi the Troops with one gfil per man per day. [109.] GARRISON ORDERS. West Point, Dec. 11, 1780, Six men of the six months Levies, of those worst clad, are to be discharged from each Regiraent daily, until further orders. If there are any three years men who have not more than two months to serve, and are unfit for duty, through infirmity or want of clothes, they may be discharged. OP GENERAL WASHINGTON. 147 [ 110- ] Head Quarters, New Windsor, Dec. 11th, 1780. A return of blankets, hats, shirts, coats, waistcoats, breeches or overafis, stockings and shoes, good, bad, and wanting, in the Regiments of Infantry, Artillery and Sappers, to be made to the Adjutant-General, on Saturday next None are to be included but men enlisted for the War, and those who have three months to serve from this tirae. [ 111- ] EXTRACT FROM GENERAL ORDERS. Head Quarters, New Windsor, Dec. 14th, 1780. The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to pass the following Resolutions: "In Congress, Nov. 28th, 1780. "Some doubts having arisen in the minds of the General Officers, whether the Resolution of the 21st of October last, granting half-pay for life to the Offi cers who shall remain in service to the end of the War, was raeant to extend to thera — " Resolved, That the said half-pay for life be ex tended to all Major-Generals, and Brigadier-Generals, who shall continue in service to the end of the War, 148 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS and the Resolution of the 21st of October last was so meant and intended. Extract from the rainutes, Charles Thomson, Sec'y." "In Congress, Nov. 29th, 1780. "Resolved, That the act of Congress of the 8th of January last, providing for the payment of Officers' horses kiUed in action, be extended to such Officers, entitled to keep them, who shall have their horses wounded and disabled in action, provided the horses so wounded and disabled be delivered to the Depart ment of the Ouarter-Master-General." "In Congress, Dec'r 6, 1780. " The Committee to whom was referred the letter from General Washington, brought in a report, whereupon Congress came to the fofiowing Resolu tion: " While Congress are sensible of the patriotism, courage, and perseverance, of the officers and privates of their regular forces, as well as the militia through out these United States, and of the military conduct of the principal Commanders in both, it gives them pleasure to be so frequently cafied upon to confer marks of distinction and applause for enterprizes which do honour to the profession of arms, and claim high rank among military achievements. " In this light they view the enterprize against Fort St George, on Long Island, planned and conducted OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 149 with wisdom and great gallantry by Major Tall- madge, of the Light Dragoons, and executed with in trepidity and complete success by the officers and sol diers of his Detachment " Order'd therefore, that Major Tafimadge's report to the Commander-in-Chief be published with the preceding minute, as a tribute to distinguish'd merit, and in testimony of the sense Congress entertain of this brilfiant service." Tickets in the fourth Class of the United States Lottery to be sold at the Pay-Office, New Windsor, to the adventurers in the third Class, who are inform'd that no ticket can be renew'd after six weeks from this date. Transcript from General Orders. Nic. Oilman, A. A. General. [ 112. ] EXTRACT FROM GENERAL ORDERS. Head Quarters, New Windsor, Dec. 15, 1780. The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to pass the following Resolutions : " In Congress, December 4th. " Resolved, That no Officer of the Line of the Army of the United States, without express authority of Congress for that purpose, make any contract or bar gain, or give any order for the purchase of any arti- 150 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS cles for the use of the Troops in the Departments of the Clothier-General, Ouarter-Master-General, or Commissary-General of Purchases, except in cases of necessity, for provisions or forage for detachments or parties, in places where the same cannot be drawn from the public stores or magazines." " Resolved, That Mr. Simeon De Witt be ap pointed Geographer to the Army, in the room of Robert Erskin, Esquire, deceas'd." " Plan for conducting the Inspectors Department.* " In Congress, September 25, 1780. " Whereas the institution of this department hath been found of great utility to the Armies of these United States, and experience hath shown that it may be render'd stifi more useful by an extension of its powers and objects ; therefore, " Resolved, That the former estabfishment, by a re solution of the 18th of February 1779, and afi subse quent resolutions relative thereto, be repeal'd, and the Department hereafter have the following form, power, and privileges. " There shall be an Inspector, or Inspector-Gener al, with the main Array of the United States, to be appointed by Congress, who shall be allow'd two Secretaries, in addition to the aids he is allow'd in * This " Plan" was modified in many of its parts'at a subsequent session of Congress, January 10, 1782. A Committee, consisting of Mr, Cornell, Mr. Lovell, and Mr. Motte, reported a new plan, which was " agreed to." In this new plan, the Adjutant-General's Department was not combined with the Inspector's Department. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON, 151 the Line of the Army, to be taken from the Line of Captains and Subalterns, who shafi receive in addi tion to their pay six dollars per month. " There shall be an Assistant Inspector-General with the main Array, who shafi be Adjutant-General for the time being, and shall receive in addition to his pay ten dofiars per month ; and one to every separate Army, when consisting of two or more Divi sions, who shall be the Deputy Adjutant-General, and shall receive in addition to his pay, eight dollars per month. " There shall be one Inspector to each Division of the Army of the United States, one to the Corps of Cavalry, and one to the Corps of Artillery, to be taken, when the service will admit, from the Line of Colonels, or Lieut-Colonels, who shafi be allow'd in addition to their pay, seven and a half dollars per month, and forage for three horses, including what they are entitled to in the Line of the Army ; and one extra ration of provision, when the state of the magazines will admit. " There shafi be one Sub-Inspector to every Bri gade in the Army of the United States, one to the Corps of Cavalry, and one to the Corps of Artillery, if thought necessary by the Commander-in-Chief or Commanding Officer of a separate Army, to be taken from the Line of Majors in the Brigade, when the service will admit, who shall be allow'd, in addition to their pay, five dollars per month, and one extra ration, when the state of the magazines will admit. " The Coramander-in-Chief and Coraraanding 152 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS Officer of a separate Army, are hereby empower'd to appoint Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors to the Militia while in actual service, agreeable to the foregoing plan, who shafi have the same powers, privileges, and eraoluraents, as those serving with the Continental Army. " It shafi be the duty of the Inspector- General to frame a system of regulations for the exercise and dis cipline of the Troops in the manual evolutions and manoeuvres, for the service of Guards and Detach ments, and for all Camp and Garrison duty ; and, if approv'd of by the Coraraander-in-Chief and ratified by Congress, such regulations shall be enforc'd by the orders of the Coramander-in-Chief throughout the Army. " The Assistant Inspectors-General shall assist in the general duties of the Department, agreeable to the directions they shall receive from the Inspector- General, (thro' the order of the Commander-in- Chief,) and, when the Inspector is not present, shaU have the chief direction of the same, agreeable to the order they may receive as aforesaid. They shafi nevertheless continue to perform their duties of Adju tant and Deputy Adjutant-General. " The Inspectors shall attend to the execution of the regulations estabfish'd for the Army in their res pective Divisions, and in such Garrisons as they may be order'd by the Inspector-General, or Assistant In spectors-General ; at afi times performing the duty of Adjutant-General to the same ; and when a de- tachraent of more than one Division is sent from the OP GENERAL WASHINGTON. 153 Army, the eldest Inspector of the marching Troops shafi act as Adjutant-General to the Detachment " The Sub-Inspectors shall do the duty of Majors of Brigade, to the Brigades to which they belong, and attend to the execution of the regulations estabfish'd for the Army in their respective Brigades, and such Garrisons, Detachraents and independent corps, as they shafi be order'd by the Inspector-General, or Assistant Inspector-General with a separate Army. " The Inspector-General, and the Assistant Inspec tor-General, shafi review and muster the Troops in service, once every month, at which review he or they shafi inspect the numbers and condition of the men, their discipline, tfie state of their clothes, arras, accoutrements, and camp equipage ; the number of rations they have drawn since the last review ; re porting such soldiers and recruits as are unfit for ser vice, to the Major-General, or Commander of the Division, the Brigadier, or Commander of a Regi ment detach'd from the Division, or Brigade, to which such disabled soldier may belong ; to be by them, or either of them, discharg'd, or transferr'd to the corps of invalids ; if on the examination of the Surgeon of the Regiment, they shall be found fit for further ser vice in the field. But no such soldier shafi be deera'd legally discharg'd or transferr'd, except his discharge or transfer is sign'd by the Major-General, Brigadier, or Coraraandant as aforesaid, and a certificate of his inability, specifying the nature of it, sign'd by the Surgeon, is annex'd thereto ; noting at the same time, all alterations that have happen'd since the last re- 20 154 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS view or muster, and as far as possible, in what man ure ; reporting them with the deficiencies, neglects, and abuses, to the Commander-in-Chief a Com manding Officer present, and the Board of War. " At every muster, three rolls shall be made out by the Coraraanding Officer of each Troop, or Company, sign'd and sworn to by him ; one of which rofis shall be return'd to him certified by the mustering officer, one shafi be retain'd by the mustering officer, and the other shall be certified and defiver'd to the Regimental Pay-Master, to be affix'd to the pay rofis, " Each Brigade shafi be mustered by its Sub-In spector, under the sup erin tendency of the Inspector of the Division, who shall be responsible, with the Sub-Inspector, for the exactness and fidelity of the musters ; and, in like manner, in all Garrisons, Inde pendent Corps and Detachments shall be muster'd by such Inspectors, or Sub-Inspectors, as the Inspector- General, or Assistant Inspectors-General, with a sepa rate Army, shall order. " The Sub-Inspectors shall deliver an Abstract of all such Musters, regimentally digested, to the Inspec tor of the Division, who shafi digest them into Di vision Abstracts, in the same form, and transmit them to the Assistant Inspectors-General, to be by them transmitted to the Inspector-General, and in a sepa rate Army, to the Commanding Officer. " The Inspector-General shafi transmit once every month a copy of the Abstracts of the Musters of the whole Army to the Commander-in-Chief, and another to the Board of War. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 155 " No Commanding Officer of a Regiment shall mus ter the Regiment he commands, but another Inspec tor shafi be order'd to do that duty by the Inspector- General. " The Assistant Inspector in a separate Army, shall do the same duties in that Army as the Inspector- General doth in the Main Array, respecting the Mus ters, according to the directions he shall receive, and orders of the Commanding Officer. " From the Commissary of Issues shafi be de fiver'd to the Inspector-General, and Assistant Inspec tor with a separate Army, an Abstract by Brigades, of the rations actually issued, and of all issues to all separate Corps, Garrisons, and Detachraents. "Afi Muster Rolls shall be sworn to before the Officer or Coraraandant of a separate Post, or Detach ment, who is hereby empower'd to administer the oath, and certify it on the back of the muster roll, in the following words (to wit) : /, A. B. do swear that this Muster Roll is a true state of the Company under my co?nmand, without fraud to the United States, or to any individual, according to the best of my know ledge. A. B. Captain, Lieutenant, Ensign, or Cornet, Commandant Sworn before me this day of 1 7 " The Mustering Officers are empower'd and di rected to require from all the Officers, where Troops are muster'd, all papers and vouchers relative to their enfistments and musters. " The Inspectors shall keep accounts with the Offi- 156 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS cers commanding Regiments, of afi the arms and ac coutrements defiver'd their Regiments, and return'd in by them. No arras and accoutrements shall be de fiver'd without an order from the Inspector of the Division, to whom returns for arras and accoutrements wanted, shafi be made, in the forra directed in the resolution for the order and discipline of the Troops of the United States. "All Officers of the Inspectorship shall retain their rights of coraraand and proraotion, in the sarae man ner as if they had not assumed the office. They are to suspend their respective commands, except when they happen to be the superior in the Divi sion, Brigade or Regiment, to which they belong, or when they are appointed to execute any particular service by the Comraander-in-Chief or Commanding Officer of a separate Army, and are exempt from afi common Camp and Garrison duty, that they may attend to that of Inspectors as well in time of action as at all other times. "The Inspector-General, as often as the Com mander-in-Chief shall think fit to order, shafi visit every part of the Army, and review the same, to see that uniformity prevails throughout the Armies of these United States. "The Inspector-General shall keep books, in which the returns, &c. passing through his office shafi be registered. He shall be charged with cofiect- ing into one or more volumes all the Resolves of Congress, and regulations of the Board of War, rela tive to the Army. OP GENERAL WASHINGTON. 157 "The travelling and other incidental expenses for the execution of the business of the office, shall be setded by the Auditor with the Army, upon such principles as shall be estabfished by the Coraraander- in-Chief and paid out of the Military Chest "The Ouarter-Master-General shafi furnish afi necessary books, papers, &c. for the Department "Each Inspector shall be afiowed, when the cir cumstances of the Array will perrait, a raarquee and common tent, each Sub-Inspector a horse-man's and common tent, if not provided for as Officers in the Line. "All the regulations respecting the objects of this Department shafi be finally approved and estabfished by Congress, but, the exigency of the service requir ing it, temporary ones may, from time to time, be in troduced by the Inspector-General, with the appro bation of the Commander-in-Chief and transmitted to the Board of War within one month after their introduction, that, being exarain'd and reported to Congress by them, they may be rejected, alter'd, and amended, or confirmed, as Congress shall deem proper. " Resolv'd, That Baron Steuben be and hereby is continued Inspector-General of the Armies of these United States, and vested with power to appoint all Officers necessary to carry the foregoing plan into execution, they being first approv'd of by the Com- mander-in- Chief" " Pubfished by order of Congress. Charles Thompson, Secretary." 158 revolutionary orders " In Congress, December 4th, 1780. " Resolv'd, That instead of the additional pay al low'd to officers of the Inspector's Department by the resolutions of Congress of the 25th of September last, the following suras be afiow'd : " To the Adjutant-General, as Assistant Inspector, thirty-five dofiars per raonth. " To an Assistant Inspector in a separate Army, thirty dofiars per raonth. " To a Lieut.-Colonel, as Inspector of a Division, twenty-five dollars per month. " To a Major, as Inspector of a Brigade, twenty- five dollars per month." " Extract from the Minutes. Charles Thompson, Secretary." [ 113. ] extract from general orders. Head Quarters, New Windsor, Dec. 19th, 1780. A critical and accurate Inspection of the arms, ammunition, and accoutrements, to be made as soon as possible, and returns to be sent to the Assistant In spector-General, agreeably to the form herewith de fiver'd, by the 27th instant. These returns to be made out regimentally, and sign'd by the Commanding Officers of Regiments, which are to be digested regimentally into Division returns, and sign'd by the Division Inspectors. OP GENERAL WASHINGTON. 159 The returns of the Brigades in separate stations to be sign'd by their respective Brigade Inspector. It is to be distinctly specified where and how any arms, &c., may have been lost, at the bottom of the returns. [ 114. ] EXTRACT FROM GENERAL ORDERS. Head Quarters, New Windsor, Dec. 23d, 1780. The Regimental Surgeons are requested to trans mit weekly returns of the sick to the Orderly Office, every Saturday, directed to the Chief Physician and Surgeon of the Army; only specifying the number and the particular diseases under which they labour, all who have been sent to the Hospitals, and who have died. The Commanding Officers of Divisions, Brigades, or separate Posts, are requested to see the above or der strictly complied with. Those of the Pennsylva nia and Jersey Troops wifi deliver theirs to Doct'r Lattimar at Morristown. A. SCAMMEL, Adj't-Gen'l. 160 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS [ 115. ] EXTRACT FROM GENERAL ORDERS. Head Quarters, New Windsor, Dec. 24th, 1780. At a General Court Martial, whereof Col. H. Jackson was President, held at West Point the 16th inst, Mr. , Issuing Comraissary at Fishkill, was tried for " Refusing to deliver provisions to Arch'd Leake, Wagoner of the Hospital, on the order of the Steward of the Hospital at Fishkfil, on which he usually issued, because he, the said Leake, would not receipt in figures for said provisions ; and also for taking receipts in figures for provisions issued on or ders for an indefinite quantity for the said Hospital." The Court, having consider'd the nature of the charge against Mr. , are of opinion, that he is not censurable, and do therefore acquit him of the charge. — The Commander-in-Chief approves the ac quittal, but cannot, however, help remarking that, if the order drawn upon Mr. , by Mr. White, Steward of the Hospital, was ifiegal, he should have refus'd to answer it upon that account, and not have insisted upon sending the Hospital wagoner back for an order from Mr. Hunt the Comraissary, unless he would receipt in figures ; as this mode, if admitted, in any case whatever, opens a door for fraud. — The General takes this occasion of directing the Commis sary-General to order his deputies to make it an in variable rule, to give and take all receipts, with the OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 161 specified quantity express'd at large by words, and not by figures. The Court of Enquiry, whereof Col. Vose was President, held at West Point the 20th inst to inves tigate the conduct of Lieut-Col. Thomson on the 3d of February last, report as follows. The Court, after duly considering the evidence, and circumstances that Col. Thomson was in on said day, are of opinion that his conduct was good. The Coramander-in-Chief accepts the above re port. A. ScAMMELL, Adj't-Gen'l. [ 116. ] EXTRACT FROM GENERAL ORDERS. Head Quarters, New Windsor, Dec, 27th, 1780. Several of the members of the Court of Enquiry appointed to investigate the conduct of Lieut-Col. Antill, by the General Orders of the 20th instant, be ing absent, a new Court will sit for that purpose to morrow morning, at nine o'clock, at the President's Ouarters ; Col. Putnam is appointed President, Lieut- Cols. Comraandant Sproat and Brooks, Lieut-Col. Bodlara, and Major John Porter, are appointed mem bers, A, ScAMMEL, Adj't-Gen'L 21 162 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS [ 117. J EXTRACT FROM GENERAL ORDERS, Head Quarters, New Windsor, Jan. 1st, 1781. For the present, the Massachusetts Regiments are to be form'd into three Brigades, under the command of Major-General Howe. The Regiments of the first, fourth, seventh, and tenth Cols, are to compose the first, or Glover's Brigade ; the Regiments of the second, fiftfi, and eighth Colonels, raake the second, or Paterson's Brigade ; and the third, sixth, and ninth, wifi be the third Brigade. The Connecticut Line, and those of New Hamp shire and Rhode Island, are also to forra three Bri gades, under Major-General Parsons, viz. : The first, third, and fifth Regiraents of Connecti cut, will forra the first Brigade of that State, to be commanded by General Huntington, and the second and fourth, the second Brigade of the State. The Regiments of Rhode Island and New Hamp shire, are to form the other Brigade. Hazen's Regiment will be considered as a reserve, and be unannexed to any Brigade at this time. Major-General Heath will command the whole of the above Troops. The Non-Commissioned Officers and Matrosses of the Independent Company of Artillery, lately commanded by Capt Cown, are to be added to and incorporated with the Company commanded by Capt Porter, now in this second Regiment of Artfi- OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 163 lery, and the Non-Commissioned Officers and Mat rosses of the Company commanded by Capt Freeman, are to be added to and incorporated with Capt Symonds' Company in said Regiment. The Officers of the two Companies commanded by Capt's Porter and Symonds are to be arranged in Col. Proctor's Regiment, agreeable to the rank they now hold. At a Court of Enquiry, ordered by Major-General Heath, the 27th Dec. 1780, in consequence of an order of his Excefiency General Washington, the 20th of the same month, to investigate the conduct of Lieut-Col. Antill, on the day of his captivity in August, 1777, and to report concerning the same. Col. Putnam, President Lieut-Cols. Commandant Sproat and Brooks, Lieut-Col. Bodlam and Major Porter, members. The Court, after due consideration of the circum stances, report : " That Lieut-Col. Antifi appears to have been captured while in the execution of his duty, and that he is not censurable in any part of his conduct, but is deserving the approbation of every good Officer." The Comraander-in-Chief is pleased to accept and approve the report. Alex. Scammel, Adj't-Gen'l. 164 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS [ 118- ] GENERAL HOWe's ORDERS FOR THE MASSACHU SETTS LINE. January 5th, 1781. The Committee of Officers appointed to fix upon the fashion of the Massachusetts' uniform, have re ported thereupon, and it is as follows : — The colour of the coats, waistcoat, linings and but tons, to be agreeable to the General Orders of the 2nd of Octofier, 1779.* The length of the coat, to the upper part of the knee-pan, and to be cut high in the neck. As 3 is to 5, so is the skirt to the waist of the coat; or divide the whole length of the coat into 8 equal parts, take 5 for the waist and 3 for the skirts. The lappel, at the top of the breast, to be 3 inches wide, and the bottom 2 /o inches ; the lappel to be as low as the waist, and its wing to button within an inch of the shoulder seam with a small button on the cape. The epaulette to be worn directly on the top of the shoulder joint, on the same button with the wing of the lappel. A round and close cuff, three inches wide, with four close worked button holes. The cape to be made with a peak behind, and its width in proportion to the lappels. The pocket flaps to be scofiopped, four button holes, the two inner close worked, the two outer open worked, and to be set on in a curved line from the bottom of the lappel to * Not found in Adj't Whiting's Books, OF GENERAL WASHINGTON, 165 the button on the hip. The coat to be cut fufi be hind, with a fold on each back skirt, and two close open worked button holes on each. Ten open worked button holes on the breast of each lappel, with ten large buttons, at equal distance; four large buttons on each cuff, four on each pocket flap, and four on each fold. Those on the cuffs and pocket fiaps to be placed agreeable to the button holes ; and those on the folds, one on the hip, one at the bottom, and two in the centre, at an equal distance with those on the lappel. The coat is to button or hook as low as the fourth button hole on the breast, and is to be flaunt at the bottom with a genteel and military air. Four hooks and eyes on the breast as low as the coat is allowed to button. The skirts to hook up with a blue heart at each corner, with such device as the Field Officers of each Regiment shall direct The bottoms of the coat to be cut square. The waistcoat to be single breasted, with twelve but tons and holes on the breast, with pocket fiaps, four close worked button holes and four buttons, which shafi appear below the flaps. The breeches are to be made with a half fafi ; four buttons on each knee. The small buttons on the waistcoat to be of the same kind with the large ones on the coat. The number of the Regiment is to be in the centre of the button, with such device as the Field Officers shafi direct. The epaulettes to be worn agreeable to his Excellency the Coraraander-in-Chief's orders of June 18, 1780. A fashionable military cock'd hat, with a silver but ton loop, and a small button with the number of the 166 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS Regiment. To wear a black stock when on duty and on the parade. No edging, vellum, lace, or indeed any other orna ments which are not mention'd, to be added to the uniform. No officer is to be permitted, at any time, to wear any other uniform than that of his Regiment [ 119. ] EXTRACT FROM GENERAL ORDERS. Head Quarters, New Windsor, January 6th, 1781. The General has the pleasure of communicating to the Army the fofiowing interesting and agreeable pieces of intelligence, which have been received from Major-General Greene. On the 26th of November, Brigadier-General Sump ter was attack'd by Colonel Tarlton, the famous Brit ish partizan, at Black Stock on Tyger river, in South Carolina. Tarlton made three vigorous charges; in the two first he was repuls'd by the Troops posted in General Sumpter's front ; in the third, he oblig'd the advanc'd Troops to fall back upon the main body, by whom he was so warmly receiv'd, that he retreated with precipitation, leaving ninety-two dead, and one hundred wounded, upon the field. Col. Tarlton had in the action three hundred Cavalry, one hundred and thirty of the 63d Regiraent, and a hundred of the 71st. The smallness of our loss, corapar'd with that OP GENERAL WASHINGTON. 167 of the Enemy, is most remarkable ; we had but three men kill'd and four wounded ; among the latter is the brave General Surapter himself wounded in the shoulder. The beginning of Dec, Lieu't-Col. Washington of the Srd Regiment of Light Dragoons, with a hundred horse, came up with Col. Rugley, Major Cook, and forty-two Tories, Officers and Soldiers, who had taken post in a log barn, strongly secur'd by abbatis, on Rugley's farm, twelve miles from Camden. Col. Washington, unable to force them for want of Artfilery, made use of the following stratagem. He mounted a pine logon a carriage, and holding out the appearance of an attack with field pieces, he sent in a flag, and demanded an immediate surrender, which was complied with. By these, and several smafier successes, the enemy are kept closely confin'd to their posts at Camden, Wemsborough, and Ninety-Six, at each of which they are strongly fortified. A. ScAMMELL, Adj't-Gen'l. [ 120. ] EXTRACT FROM GENERAL ORDERS. Head Quarters, New Windsor, Jan'y 8th, 1781. The Rank of the Massachusetts Regiments under the new establishment of the Array, having been de termined as follows : 168 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS 1st Regiment, Col. Vose, 2d do. Lieut.-Col. Comd't Sproat, Col. Greaton, Col. Shephard, Col. Putnam, Lieut- Col. Comd't Smith, Do. Do. Brooks, Col. M. Jackson, Col. H. Jackson, Col. Tupper, by a Coraraittee chosen by the respective Command ing Officers of thera, or their representatives; the Coramander-in-Chief for that reason, approves the deterraination of the Coraraittee, and directs it to take place accordingly. A. ScAMMELL, Adj't-Gen'l. 3d do. 4th do. 5th do. 6th do. 7th do. 8th do. 9th do. 0th do. [ 121. ] EXTRACT FROM GENERAL ORDERS. Head Quarters, New Windsor, Jan'y 9th, 1781. Afi the tents of the Army wifi be defiver'd to the Ouarter-Master-General, who wfil have thera wash' d, clean'd, and repair'd. Such as are irreparable, or as many of them as wifi answer the purpose, he is to re serve, to make cases for the Camp Ketties, that they may not grease or injure the soldiers' clothes, as they will, next campaign, be obliged to carry their own kettles. Commanding Officers of Corps wifi be par- OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 169 ticularly careful, in seeing that the tents are all given in to the Ouarter-Master-General. [ 122. ] Head Quarters, New Windsor, 24th January, 1781. At a General C't Martial held at West Point, by order of Major-Gen'l Heath, 12th inst whereof Col. Greaton was President, Capt , of the 7th Mas sachusetts Regiraent, was tried for " Repeatedly over staying the limits of furloughs, and for unofficer and ungentlemanlike conduct in exceeding the limits of leave of absence which he obtain'd last May; by pledging his honour for a punctual return on the day the limit expired." — The Court, on consideration, are of opinion that Capt. is guilty of the charges against him, in breach of the 21st art sect 14, of the Rules and Articles of War, and sentence him to be discharg'd the service. The Commander-in-Chief approves the sentence, and orders it to take place. [ 123. ] Head Quarters, New Windsor, Jan. 30, 1781, The General returns his thanks to Major-Gen'l Howe for the judicious measures he pursued, and to 22 170 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS the officers and men under his coramand, for the good conduct and alacrity with which they executed his orders, for suppressing the late mutiny* in a part of the New Jersey Line. It gave him inexpressible pain to be oblig'd to employ their arras on such an occasion, and he is convinc'd that they themselves felt all the reluctance which former affection to fel low soldiers could inspire. — He considers the patience with which they endur'd the fatigues of the march, through rough and mountainous roads, render'd al most impassable by the depth of the snow, and the cheerfulness with which they perform'd every other part of their duty, as the strongest proof of their fidel ity, attachment to the service, sense of subordination, and abhorrence of the principles which actuated the mutineers in so daring and atrocious a departure from * This mutiny of the New Jersey Line followed the mutiny of the Penn'a Line, which took place about the 4th of Jan'y, '81. Marshall, in his account of the first named mutiny, says, " On the night of the 20th apart of the Jersey Brigade, which had been stationed atPompton, rose in arms; and making precisely the same claims which had been yield ed to the Pennsylvanians, marched to Chatham, where a part of the same Brigade was cantoned, in the hope of exciting them also to join in the revolt. Gen'l Washington, who had been extremely chagrined at the issue of the mutiny in the Pennsylvania Line, and who was now assured of the confidence to be placed in the fidelity of the Eastern Troops, who were composed of natives, determined, by strong measures, to stop the farther progress of a spirit which threatened tlie destruction of the Army, and ordered a detachment to march against the mutineers, and to bring them to unconditional submission. Gen'l Howe, who commanded this detachment, was instructed to make no terms with the insurgents while in a state of resistance ; and as soon as they should surrender, to seize a few of the most active leaders, and to execute them on the spot. — These orders were promptly obeyed, and the Jersey mu tineers returned to their duty." — Ist Vol. page 424, OF GENERAL WASHINGTON, ] 71 what they ow'd to their country, to their officers and oaths, and to themselves. The General is deeply sensible of the sufferings of the Army ; he leaves no expedient unessay'd to re lieve them; and he is persuaded Congress, and the several States, are doing every thing in their power for the same purpose. But, while we look to the Pubfic for the fulfilment of its engagements, we should do it with proper allowance for the embar rassments of public affairs. We began a contest for Liberty and Independence ill provided with the means of war, relying on our patriotism to supply the deficiencies. We expected to encounter many wants and distresses, and we should neither shrink from thera when they happen, nor fly in the face of Law and Governraent to pro cure redress. There is no doubt, in the event, that the Public will do araple justice to men fighting in its defence ; but it is our duty to meet evils with forti tude, looking forward to the period when our Coun try will have it more in its power to reward our ser vices, — History is full of examples of Armies suffering with patience extremities of distress, which exceed those we have experienc'd, and this in a cause of ambition and conquest, not in that of the rights of humanity, of their country, of their famfiies, and them selves. Shall we aspire to the distinction of a patri otic Army, which is contending for every thing pre cious to society, against every thing hateful and de grading in slavery 1 Shafi we, who call ourselves citi zens, discover less constancy and mifitary virtue, than 172 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS the merciless instruments of ambition ? — Those who have, in the present instance, stain'd the honour of the American soldier, and sullied the reputation of patient virtue, for which they have been so long emi nent, can atone for their pusillanimous defection only by a life devoted to a zealous and exemplary dis charge of their duty. — Persuaded that a greater part were infiuenced by the pernicious advice of a few, who probably have been paid by the Enemy to betray their associates, the General is pleased with the leni ty that condemned to execution only two of the most guilty, after corapefiing the whole to an unconditional surrender ; and he fiatters himself that no similar in stance will hereafter disgrace our military history. It can only bring ruin on those who are mad enough to make the attempt, for lenity on any future occasion would be criminal and inadmissible. The General, at the same time, presents his thanks to Major-General Parsons, for the prudent and mili tary disposition he made, and to Lieut.-Col. Hull, and tfie officers and men under his coraraand, for the good conduct, address, and courage, with which they exe cuted the enterprise against a Corps of the enemy in West Chester, having destroyed their barracks and a large quantity of forage ; burnt a bridge across Har- laem river, under the protection of one of their re douts, brought off fifty-two prisoners, and a number of horses and cattle, with inconsiderable loss, except the death of Ensign Thomson of the 6th Massachu setts Regiment, an active and enterprising officer. The General also thanks Colonels Hazen and Lee's op GENERAL WASHINGTON. 173 party for their conduct and bravery in covering Lieut.- Col. Hufi's retreat, and repelling the enemy ; and Cols. Scammell, Sherman, and, in general, afi the officers and men of General Parsons' Command, for their good conduct in supporting the advanc'd Corps. [ 124. ] EXTRACT FROM GENERAL ORDERS. Head Quarters, New Wind.sor, Feb. Lst, 1781. Light Infantry Companies are to be immediately form'd, one for each Regiment, and to consist of one Captain, two Subalterns, four Sergeants, one Drum, one Fife, and, for the present, twenty-four Rank and File. The honor of every Regiment is so much in terested in the appearance and behaviour of the Light Troops, which are a representation of the whole Army, that the General exhorts and expects that the Commanding Officers of them wifi exert themselves to make a judicious choice for the formation of their respective Companies. The Assistant Inspector- General is to review each Company, and reject every man who, in his opinion, is not likely to answer the above ends. The General would prefer wefi-made men, from five feet six to five feet ten inches stature. Every Regiment which has at this time more than two hundred and twenty-five Rank and File for duty, including those on command, and on furlough, is to J 74 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS give a full ninth of its number, instead of twenty-five, for the Light Infantry Company ; and, as other Re giments increase in strength, and exceed this number, they are to do the like invariably. When these Companies are form'd, they are to re lieve the Troops on the Lines, and do duty there by rotation, in such a manner as Major-General Heath shall direct The General strictly prohibits recruiting men be longing to one State into the Regiments assign'd for the quota of another State. [ 125. ] EXTRACT FROM GENERAL ORDERS. Head Quarters, New Windsor, Feb, 5th, 1781. The Commanding Officers of Corps wifi furnish the recruiting officers of their respective Regiments now out, or who may be sent out, with the fofiowing instructions, signed by themselves : RECRUITING INSTRUCTIONS. Sir, — You are to repair, as soon as possible, to the State of , for the purpose of enlisting and for warding recruits, as mention'd in the Resolutions of Congress of the 3d of October last You will, on your arrival, apply to the Executive authority of the State for directions relative to the mode of subsisting yourself and your parties, the con- OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 175 dition of enlistment, and the rendezvous of the re cruits. You are to enlist none but such persons as the Laws permit, subjects or inhabitants of the State of , not under the age of sixteen, nor above that of fifty ; of sufficient stature and ability of body to dis charge all the duties of a private soldier; and free from lameness, or other infirmity, which raay render him incapable thereof You are not to enlist any deserter from the enemy, nor any person of disaffected or suspicious character, with respect to the Government of these States. All the charge and expense of a recruit, who does not pass muster, for either of these defects or disqualifica tions, shafi be defray'd by the Officer who engag'd him. You will have every recruit attested before a Peace Officer, General Officer, Judge Advocate, or one of his Deputies, agreeably to the third section of the Articles of War ; and you will require him to sign a paper, which wfil express the terms and condi tions of service for which he is engag'd, and the bounty he has receiv'd, fairly written at length, with out erasure, or interlineation, so as to prevent all am biguity, doubts, or dispute ; and, after the recruit is so attested and engaged, you are on no account to ex change or discharge hira. You wfil carefully enter your recruits on a size roll, specifying in separate colurans the names, age, size, trade and profession, place of nativity, place of resi dence, tirae of enlistment, or draught, terras of service. 176 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS bounty in money, clothing, &c. ; and you wifi report monthly to the Commanding Officer of your Regi ment, the number of men you have receiv'd or en listed, and transmit size Rofis of the Draughts, or re cruits, whom you shafi, from time to time, send on to the Regiment. Given at this day of 178 — [ 126. ] EXTRACT FROM GENERAL ORDERS. Head Quarters, New Windsor, Feb. 9th, 1781. The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to pass the fofiowing Resolutions, viz : — "In Congress, January 12th, 1781. "Congress took into consideration the report of the Board of War, of the 8th of December : where upon — "Resolved, That from and after the first day of August last, tfie pay and appointment of the Officers in the Department of Commissary-General of Military Stores, be as fofiows ; the sums hereafter mentioned to be paid in bills of the new eraission, and all monies rec'd in bills of the old emission, since the first day of August, to be accounted for according to the table of depreciation as fixed by the Board of War, viz : Commissary-General of Military Stores, one hundred dofiars per raonth, and three rations per day ; Deputy OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 177 Commissary General eighty dofiars per month, and two rations per day ; Commissaries, seventy dofiars per month, and two rations; Conductors, forty-five dollai-s and one ration ; Clerks, forty dollars and one ration. No rations in addition to the number above mentioned are to be afiowed for servants. " That the Officers and men in the Regiment of Artifiery-Artificers, have the sarae pay, from and after the first day of August, in bills of the new emission, as was originafiy paid in bifis of the then emission, by the regulations of the Department, made by Con gress on the 11th day of February, 1778, and that they draw the number of rations then directed. That the pay of the Field Comraissary of Mfiitary Stores, and his subordinate Officers, be as fofiows: frora and after the first day of August last, the pay to be received in bills of the new emission. Field Commissaries, ninety dollars per month, two rations per day, servants in cluded; Deputy Field Commissary, seventy dofiars per month, and two rations per day ; Conductors, forty-five dofiars, one ration per day ; Clerks, forty dollars, and one ration. " That the Commanding Officer of Artifiery, for his extra service in the affairs of the Ordinance De partment, receive forty dofiars per month, in addition to his pay, as an Officer in the Line, in bills of the new emission, frora and after the first day of August last. " That the Surveyor of Ordinance, for defi-aying the expenses of his office, be afiow'd, from and after the first day of August last, forty dollars a month, in bills 23 178 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS of the new emission, besides his appointraent as Field Officer of Artifiery. " Resolv'd, That the additional pay of Aids-de- Camp, Adjutants, and Regimental Ouarter-Masters, agreeably to the act of the 27th of May, 1778, be consider'd as fix'd in specie, and tfiat the same, from and after the 18th of August last, be drawn in bills of the new emission. " The pay of a Regimental Pay-Master and Cloth ier, in addition to his pay as an Officer in the Line, be thirty dollars per month, in bills of the new emis sion, and that the several States, in making up the depreciation to such Officers from the Lines of their respective appointments, calculate upon the addition al pay as being thirty dollars per month in specie." " In Congress, January 17th, 1781. " Whereas, by a plan of conducting the Hospkal Department, pass'd in Congress the SOth Sept last, no proper establishment is provided for the Officers of the Medical Staff, after their dismission from the public service, which, considering the custom of other nations, and the late provisions made for Officers of the Army after the conclusion of the War, they ap pear to have a just claim to ; for reraedy whereof and for amending several parts of the above men tion'd plan : " Resolv'd, That afi Officers in the Hospital De partment and Medical Staff, hereafter mention'd, who shall continue in service until the end of the War, or be reduc'd before that tirae as supernumeraries, shaU OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 179 be entitled to and receive during life, in lieu of half- pay, the fofiowing allowance, viz. : The Director of the Hospital, equal to the half pay of a Lieut-Col. ; Chief Physician and Surgeon of the Army, and Hospital Physicians and Surgeons, Pur veyors, Apothecaries, and Regimental Surgeons, each equal to the half pay of a Captain. " That there be afiow'd to the Pui-veyors, Apothe caries, and Assistant Purveyors, each forage for one horse. " That the power given in the foremention'd plan, to the Chief Physician and Surgeon of the Army, to remove Regimental Surgeons and Mates, in case of absence without leave, shall in future extend no fur ther than the power of suspension until such delin quent shafi be reported to a proper officer for bring ing him to trial by a Court Martial. " That the Apothecary may deliver medicines, in struments and dressings, and other articles of his De partment, to the Hospitals, on orders in writing from a Physician and Surgeon, having the care of any particular Hospital, where the Director or Chief Phy sician or Surgeon shall not be present to give the same. " That the power given to the Director and Chief Hospital Physician, with respect to the appointment of matrons, nurses, and other persons, necessary for the regular management of the Hospital, be extended to each of the Physicians and Surgeons of the Hospitals, in the absence of the Director and Chief Physician and Surgeon." 180 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS " In Congress, January 26th, 1781, " Resolv'd, That the afiowance of five dofiars per month to the Officers of the Army for each retain'd ration, granted by an act of Congress, of the 12th day of August last, shafi commence on the first day of August, 1780. " That the additional pay of Aids-de-Camp, Adju tants, and Regimental Ouarter-Masters, as mention'd in the act of Congress of the 12th of this instant, be drawn in bifis of the new emission, from and after the first day of August last, instead of the 18th of the same month, as mention'd in the above resolution." [ 127. ] Head Quarters, New Windsor, Feb. 12th, 1781. The honorable the Congress have been pleas'd to pass the following resolutions : " Whereas, by the late arrangements of the Army, there is a supernumerary Officer allow'd to each Regiment, to reside in the State to which the Regi ment belongs, for the purpose of transacting afi neces sary business for the Regiment ; therefore, Resolv'd, That the resolution of the 4th Sept 1778, allowing Officers three dollars a day for ex penses on business, not incidental to their offices, be and is hereby repeal'd from and after the first day of March next." OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 181 [ 128. ] Head Quarters, New Windsor, Feb. 14th, 1781. The General wdth great satisfaction communicates to the Array the fofiowing intefiigence, just rec'd, of important successes lately obtain'd over the enemy in South Carolina. Brigadier-General Morgan, who commanded the Light Infantry of General Greene's Army, having taken post at the Cowpens, near Cher okee ford on Broad River, with about 800 men. Reg ulars and Mifitia, including a body of Light Dragoons under Lieut.-Col. Washington, was attack'd there by Lieut- Col. Tarlton, with a body of Horse and Infan try, amounting to about 1000. The enemy at first with great impetuosity advanc'd under a severe fire, drove in our advanc'd parties, and, being more nu merous, gain'd the fianks of the principal body, and oblig'd it to retire about fifty paces. There a halt was made, and our Troops in turn advanc'd with a brisk fire, threw the eneray into disorder, which being observ'd by Lieut.-Col. Howard, of the Maryland Troops, he gave orders for the whole to charge bayonets, which was executed with such vigour as to coraplete the route of the eneray, and oblig'd thera to make a precipitate flight. Lieut-CoL Washington, about the same time per ceiving that the British Cavalry had fallen upon our Riflemen, charg'd thera with firmness, and immediate ly drove them in confusion. This was the more honorable from the disparity in numbers; L't-Col. Washington having only 80 horse, the Enemy 280. 182 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS The Enemy were pursued more than twenty mfies. Their loss consisted of ten Commission'd Officers kill'd, and upwards of one hundred rank and file ; two hundred wounded ; twenty-nine Commis sion'd Officers and five hundred Privates prisoners; two field pieces, two standards, eight hundred mus kets, one travelling forge, thirty-five wagons, upwards of one hundred Dragoon horses, and their music; all which articles fell into the hands of our Troops. In their retreat they destroy'd the greatest part of their baggage, which was very considerable. The loss on our side consisted of only twelve kill'd and sixty wounded. This victory, so decisive and glorious, gain'd with an inferior force, over a select corps of the British Troops, refiects the highest hon our on our arms, and must have an important influ ence on the affairs in the South. About three weeks before, Lieut.-Col. Washington, with his Dragoons, and some mounted Mfiitia, had fafien in with a party of 250 Georgia Tories; kill'd and wounded one hundred and fifty, and took forty prisoners.* [ 129. ] Head Quarters, near Newburg, April 27, 1782. At a General Court Martial, whereof Major Derby * At this date, another hiatus begins in Adj't Whiting's Books, ending with April 26, 1782. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 183 is President, Lieut. , of the 2d Massachusetts Regiment, charged with "Exceeding his furlough eighty-six days," was tried. — The Court having duly considered the charge and Lieut 's defence, are of opinion that the reasons offered by the said Lieut are not sufficient for his overstaying the time fimited in his furlough ; for although it does appear to the Court, that his circumstances at home were so peculiar that they requir'd his attendance, yet it was his duty to have complied with his furlough, or made application to have the limits of his furlough length ened : and do sentence him to be mulcted of his pay and subsistence for the said eighty-six days. The Commander-in-Chief approves the sentence of the Court Martial. [ISO.] Brigade Orders, West Point, April 28, 1782. The Brigade wifi meet at General McDougall's Ouarters at four o'clock this afternoon, for pubfic worship. The Officers are desired to turn out afi the men off duty. (Signed) M. Jackson, Col. Comd't 184 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS [131.] Head Quarters, Newburg, April 29th, 1782. A return of public boats, specifying the different species, condition, where, and in whose possession or care they are, is positively to be delivered on the 6th May. The Acting Ouarter-Master with the Army is directed to have afi the boats frora King's Ferry to Wapping's-Creek inclusive, collected immediately to the last mentioned place, except such as are so necessary for the common purposes of the Army, that the duty cannot be done without them. He wifi consult with Major-General Heath and the Commandant of West Point, to determine this. The preservation of the boats in use must be at tended to most strictly, and the Officers, or persons in whose charge they are left, must give their receipts, and will be personally responsible for them. Such fiat-bottom boats and batteaux as are not fit for service are to be repaired without loss of time. It is expected the Company of Watermen under the direction of the Ouarter-Master, will, at least, be competent to take care of the boats ; if more aid is necessary, it wifi be granted, but no excuse for negli gence or waste in such an important article shafi in future be admitted. The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to pass the following resolve : OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 185 " By the United States in Congress assembled, Aprfi 22d, 1782. "Resolved, That from and after the first day of May next, all resolves of Congress heretofore passed, relative to rations, subsistence, or allowance, to Offi cers, over and above their pay, and what they are entitled to from the Ouarter-Master's department, excepting the allowance to the General commanding the Southern Army, be and they are hereby repealed — That frora and after the first day of May next, each Officer shafi be entitled to draw, daily, the number of rations, and to receive monthly, as subsistence, the number of dollars and parts of dollars affixed to their several ranks, viz : per month, A Major-General, 5 rations per day, $31 60 Brigadier-General, 4 " Colonel, 2 Lieutenant- Colonel- Com raandant, 2 " Lieutenant-Colonel, 1^ Major, li Chaplain, 1^ " Captain, 1 " Subaltern, 1 Surgeon, li " Surgeon's Mate, 1 " Ouarter-Master-General, 4 " Deputy Ouarter-Master, with the Southern Array, U " 12 60 24 25 SO 12 60 12 60 11 00 8 00 8 00 6 30 3 15 4 60 3 15 25 30 186 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS per month. Deputy Pay-Master, with the Southern Army, IJ rations per day, $11 00 Deputy Clothier with the Array, 1 " 3 15 Deputy Post-Master with the Array, 1 " — Commissary Forage, IJ " 11 00 Field Comraissary, 1 " 6 30 Do. do. with Southern Array, 1 " 6 30 Director-General Hospital, 2 " — Chief Physician, 2 " — Hospital Surgeon, 1 " — Mates, 1 " — Stewards, 1 " — Ward-Masters, 1 " — Afi Officers in the Line of the Army employed in any of the Staff Departments, shall be entitled, while acting therein, to draw the same number of rations and like subsistence to which they are entitled by their ranks in the Array ; and when any persons not in the Line of the Army, are employed in any of the Staff Departments, they shall be entitled to draw the same number of rations and subsistence, as Offi cers of the Line acting in similar stations in the Staff with them, are entitled to draw. No compensa tion shall hereafter be made to those Officers who may neglect to draw rations to which they are entitled." Extract fi-om the minutes : George Bond, D. Secretary. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 187 [ 132. ] Head Quarters, Newburg, April 29th, 1782. The Contractors for supplying provisions to the Garrison of West Point and its Dependencies, are, after the first of May, until some alteration is made in the disposition of the Array, to issue to the 1st and 2d Massachusetts Brigades, the Sd Regiraent of Artil lery, and such other Corps, or parts of Corps, as may be stationed at West Point ; they are also to supply the Troops at the Posts on the eastern side of the river, in that vicinity, the Posts of King's Ferry, Dobb's Ferry, and Fishkill. An issuing store must also be established by thera at Newburg or New Wind sor. The remainder of the Troops are to be sup pfied under the contract for furnishing the moving Army. A system on which provisions are to be issued : 1st When a Regiment, Independent Corps, or Detachment, are to draw provisions, their proper Ouarter-Master, or some Cominissioned Officer, ap pointed in orders to do his duty, shafi raake out and sign a provision return, setting forth in colurans the num ber of persons, with their ranks or stations, the num ber of days to be drawn for, the commencing and end ing of the time, both days included, and the number of rations ; this return to be countersigned by the Com manding Officer of such Regiment, Corps or Detach ment When the Contractors shafi issue the provi sions, and have taken a receipt signed by the proper Ouarter-Master, or Officer doing his duty, by the Com- 188 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS manding Officers of a Detachment, Ouarter-Master's Sergeant, or some person in his absence, not under the rank of a Sergeant, this return and receipt so exe cuted, shall be admitted at the Treasury as a suffi cient voucher for the Contractor. 2nd. Afi orders for provisions for General Officers, and the Ouarter-Master General, and their families, shall be signed by themselves, or one of their Aids or Assistants ; and a receipt signed by the servant who shafi receive it, shall be a sufficient voucher for the Contractor. Srd. No person whatever, in the departments of Ouarter-Master-General, and of Mifitary Stores, shafi sign any order or return for provisions, excepting the heads of these Departments, or such person as maybe appointed by them to perform the business; of such ap pointments the Contractors are to have notice in wri ting. No return is to be made for any but those who are necessarily employed in the said Departments, and who do not draw provisions in any other character. The rations allowed by each individual must be stated, and the returns must specify the number, sta tions or occupations, of the person, the number of days to be drawn for, the commencing and ending of the time, both days included, and the number of rations. This return, with proper receipts, wifi be a sufficient voucher for the Contractors. No fatigue rations to be issued in either of the Departments, of Ouarter-Master-General, or Military Stores, but by the particular authority of the superior Officer, a copy of whose orders must be transmitted monthly with the Contractor's accounts. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 189 4th. Hospital. — No Officer, or other person whatever, belonging to the General Hospital, shafi sign or coun tersign any orders or returns for provisions or hospital stores, excepting the superior Officer of that Depart ment, at the post or place where such provisions or stores are necessary to be drawn ; such superior Offi cer shall make out and sign two returns, as follows, viz : One return for all the sick and convalescents under his care, setting forth the number of persons, the num ber of days to be drawn for, with the commencing and ending of the time, both days included, the number of rations, and at what allowance per day for each class of sick or convalescents ; also pointing out, by different lines, what Regiment or Corps the persons belong to. This return, with a proper receipt signed by the Stew ard of the Hospital, wifi be a voucher. He shall make and sign another return for himself and all the Officers and others under his command and direction, setting forth the number of persons, with their rank and stations, in distinct columns, the number of days to be drawn for, with the commencement and ending of the time, both days included, and the num ber of rations ; this return, with a proper receipt, or receipts, wifi be a voucher. When such superior Officer draws an order for hospital stores, he shafi express the quantity of each article at full length, and the Steward of the Hospital shall sign a proper receipt for thera in like words also. No fatigue rations to be allowed any person in the Department, except by the order of the Physician or Surgeon General, a copy 190 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS of which order to be transmitted with the Contractor's accounts. 5th. All orders or returns for provisions for prisoners of war at settled posts, must be signed by the Commis sary of Prisoners, or Town-Major, (if there be no such Commissary,) and be countersigned by the Command ing Officer, if there be any. These returns must show, in proper columns, the number of each rank and station, as also the women and children afiowed to draw, with the number of rations to be drawn, the number of days, with the commencing and ending of the time. No prisoner is to draw more than two-thirds of a ration, and that without liquor, saving such who are allowed otherwise by capitulation. Where whole ra tions are allowed, vegetables and other necessary arti cles to be substituted for the liquor. In no return is liquor to be drawn for the women with the prisoners, or any compensation made for it No provision is to be drawn for any prisoners who are out at work. 6th. The Coraraanding Officer of any Corps pass ing a Post, shall sign the orders for provisions for such Corps, to be countersigned by the Commanding Offi cer of the Post, if senior, but for Detachments not commanded by a Commissioned Officer, the order must be signed by the Officer then commanding at the Post 7th. All soldiers acting as servants with arms, shall draw with their Corps ; and all such soldiers who are annexed to Officers, and are without arms, shafi be OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 191 drawn for by the Officers respectively, with whom they serve. 8th. As afi victualfing returns are to be examined and chequed at the War Office, in all the returns of Regiments, and Independent Corps, the absentees wifi be accounted for on the back of the return. Extract from the General Orders. (Signed) Edward Hand, A. General. [ 133. ] Head Quarters, Newburg, May 2d, 1782. At a General Court Martial, whereof Major Derby is President, Ensign , of the tenth Massachusetts Regiment, charged with disobedience of orders of the Commander-in-Chief with respect to furloughs, and exceeding the limits of his furlough ten days. — The Court, after mature deliberation, are of opinion that the reasons offered by Ensign , in his defence, for exceeding the limits of his furlough, are insufficient ; and sentence him to be mulcted of his pay and subsis tence for the ten days which he exceeded the fimits of his furlough, and to be reprimanded in General Or ders. The Coramander-in-Chief approves the opinion of the Court, Ensign should not have overstayed his leave of absence, without applying for and obtain ing leave. Ensign is released from his arrest 192 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS [ 134. ] Head Quarters, Newburg, May 3d, 1782. The arrangement of the Captains of the Massa chusetts Line, being fixed by a Board of General and Field Officers, duly authorized, is approved of by the Coramander-in-Chief and is to be considered as con clusive: a copy is in the hands of the Deputy Adjutant- General, [ 134.— copy. ] Head Quarters, Newburg, May 3d, 1782. The following arrangement of the Captains of the Massachusetts Line being fixed by a Board of Gene ral and Field Officers duly authorized, is approved of by the Comraander-in-Chief and is to be considered as conclusive : No. NaTnes. Reg't. Date of Commissions. 1. Noah Allen, 1 October 16, 1776. 2. Isaac Pope, 4 January 1, 1777. 3. Samuel Carr, 8 do. 4. Seth Drew, 2 do. 5. Silvanus Smith, 5 do. 6. John Burnham, 8 do. 7. Nathaniel Gushing, 1 do. 8. Japheth Daniels, 6 do. 9. Nathan Goodale, 5 do. 10. Asa Coburn, 7 do. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 193 No. 11. 12. 13. Names. Reg't. Daniel Pilsbury, 6 George Webb, 4 Judah Alden, 2 Dates of Commissions. January 1, 1777. do. do. 14.15. Luke Day, Haffield White, 75 do, do 16.17. Joseph Williams, Joshua Bensen, 3 5 do do, 18. Job Sumner, 3 do 19. Amos Cogswell, 8 do 20. Jeremiah Miller, 1 do 21. Christopher Marshall, 10 do 22. Nathan Dix, 8 March 1 1, 1777. 23. John Blanchard, 9 do. 15, do. 24. William Worth, 9 May 10, do. 25. John Hastings, 9 do. 25, do. 26. Joseph Fox, 9 June 23, do. 27.28. Luther Bailey, John Wilhams, 2 1 July August 7, 11, do. do. 29. 30. John Kilby Smith, Simeon Lamed, 64 February March 12, 20, 1778, do. 31. Seth Bannister, 4 April 1, do. 32. Elnathan Haskell, 4 do. do. 33. James Tisdale, 3 May 3, do. 34. Stephen Abbott, 10 do. 28, do. 35. Abraham Williams, 2 September 29. , do. 36, Adams Bailey, 2 November 1, do. 37. Thomas Hunt, 9 March 1, 1779. 38. Ebenezer Smith, 6 do. 30, do. 39. 40.41.42. Henry Sewall, Benjamin Haywood, Christopher Woodbridge, Phinehas Bowman, 26 35 April do. do. do. 1, 10, 19, do. do.do. do. 43. Thomas Turner, 9 do. 24, do. 44. John Mills, 1 May 3, do. 45. William Moore, 4 June 15, do. 46. Robert Bradford, 2 do. 21, do. 47. Michael Gabriel Houdin. , 5 do. 28, do. 48, 49. John Pray, James Means, 1 2 July do. 5, do.do. 50. Robert Walker, 25 9 do. 15, do. 194 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS No. Names. Reg't. Dates of Commissions. 51. William Watson, 9 July 26, 1779. 52, Thomas Hartshorn, 8 do. do. 53. William Storey, 8 August 12, do. 54. Joseph Bates, 7 October 8, do. 55. Matthew Chambers, 6 Novemberll, do. 56. Silas Pierce, 8 December 5, do. 57. Thomas Francis, 10 March 13, 1780. 58. Daniel Lunt, 10 do. 18, do. 59. Thomas Pritchard, 3 do. 24, do. 60. Rufus Lincoln, 7 April 13, do. 61. Mann Wattles, 6 do. do. 62. Peter Clayes, 6 do. do. 63. David Holbrook, 4 do. 14, do. 64. John Fuller, 4 do. do. 65. Abner Wade, 8 May 12, do. 66. John Fowler, 3 do. 26, do. 67. Francis Greene, 1 August 30, do. 68. Eliphelet Thorp, 7 September 20, , do. 69. Zeb. King, 7 October 4, do. 70. Jonathan Turner, 10 do. do. 71. Ebenezer Smith, 8 do. 6, do. 72, Joseph Killam, 5 do. 14, do. 73. Timothy Bennit, 1 do. do. 74. Benjamin Pike, 6 do. 16, do. 75. John Trotter, 5 do. 18, do. 76. Nehemiah Emersen, 10 do. 27, do. 77. Othniel Taylor, 10 do. 30, do. 78. James Buxton, 10 January 1, 1781, 79. Jonathan Maynard, 7 do. 25, do. 80. Daniel Lee, 3 February 1, do. 81. Jonathan Stone, 5 April 25, do. 82. William Mills, 7 May 11, do. 83. Simeon Lord, 2 do. 12, do. 84. John Hobby, 3 July 24, do.. 85. Samuel Henly, 9 August 9, do. 86. Jonathan Felt, 7 October 14, do. Transcript of General Orders, (Signed,) Edw'd Hand, Adj't-Gen'l. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 195 [ 135. ] Regimental Orders, West Point, May 9, 1782. A Regimental Court Martial, to sit this day at the President's Ouarters, for the trial of such prisoners as may be brought before them. Captain Bradford wifi preside. [ 136, ] Regimental Orders, West Point, May 10th, 1782. Tried at the Regimental Court Martial of which Captain Bradford is President, Eliphalet Mitchell, soldier in Captain Lord's Company, " For disobedi ence of orders in exceeding the liraits of his furlough twenty-nine days." — The Court are of opinion that the certificates produced by the prisoner are suffi cient justification, and do acquit hira. At the sarae Court, Jaraes Witham, soldier of Captain Means' Company, was tried for absenting himself from roll- call, on the evening of the 8th instant, without leave. — The Court find the prisoner guilty of the charge, and sentence him to receive thirty-nine lashes. The Colonel approves the foregoing acquittal and sentence, and orders the punishraent of Withara to take place this evening at roll-cafi.* * This order is inserted to show the extent of punishment which ap pears to have been inflicted by Regimental Courts Martial, 196 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS [ 137. ] Head Quarters, Newburg, May 10, 1782. Until further orders, no Flag frora the enemy at New York is to be received at any other place or post but Dobbs' Ferry, on any business or pretext whatever : nor is any Flag from us to them, to be sent to any other place. Officers, or others, bring ing despatches from the enemy, are to be stopped at Dobbs' Ferry, and their despatches immediately forwarded to Head Ouarters. It is expected that afi Officers commanding on the Lines, or elsewhere, wifi pay the strictest attention to this order. [ 138. ] Head Quarters, Newburg, May 12, 1782. A Board, consisting of Major-General Lord Stirl ing, Brigadier-General Hand, and Colonel Nicola, will assemble at such time and place as may be agreed by them, to examine into the principles of the late arrangement of the Subafierns in the Connecticut Line, and to report their opinion, whether the prin ciples are consonant with those pointed out as the basis of such settiement, by the Board of General Officers convened at Dobbs' Ferry in August last; and whether the said arrangement ought to be con clusive or not. OP GENERAL WASHINGTON. 197 The papers, relative to this business, at Head Ouarters, wfil be laid before the Board, and afi per sons concerned are notified to exhibit such other representations and testimony as they may think proper, A^'state of afi the guards and detachments from the different Regiments, is to be delivered in at the Or derly Office, by Wednesday next, in order to observe whether any alteration of the position and strength of guards, &c., is necessary, and to raake provision for doing duty by Corps. The Regimental Surgeons are desired to make regular weekly returns of the sick of their respective Regiments to Doctor Craik, Chief Physician with the Army. [ 139. ] AFTER ORDERS. Head Quarters, Newburg, May 12, 1782. At a General Court Martial, held at West Point by order of Major-General Heath, whereof Colonel Greaton is President, the following prisoners were tried : George Wilson, a soldier belonging to the late twelfth Massachusetts Regiment, charged with deser tion frora a detachment when on command at White Plains. — The Court adjudge the prisoner guilty of the charge against him, in breach of article 1, section 6, of the Rules and Articles of War ; but, as the 198 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS prisoner surrendered himself under the Proclamation of his Excefiency the Coraraander-in-Chief offering pardon to deserters, they are of opinion that he should be excused from punishment, and released from con finement — Elijah Kefiey, a recruit raised for the Massachusetts Line, charged with desertion. — Found guilty, in breach of the above mentioned Articles of War, and sentenced to receive one hundred lashes on his bare back. Sergeants Jared Bunce and Wyman Parker, of the third Connecticut Regiraent, and Lud Gaylord, of the first Connecticut Regiment, charged severally with endeavoring to excite a mutiny in the Connecticut Line, and also not discovering an intended mutiny to their Officers, when they knew a plan was laying and combination forming to carry it into execution. — The Court, having considered the charges and evidence against the prisoner, Sergeant Jared Bunce, are of opinion that the charge of endeavoring to excite a mutiny in the Connecticut Line, is not supported, and do acquit him of it ; they are also of opinion, that the evidence respecting the charge against him, of not discovering an intended mutiny to his Officers, when he knew a plan 'was laying and combination forming to carry it into exe cution, is insufficient to convict him of it, and do ac quit him of it The Court, respecting the charges against Sergeant Wyman Parker, are of the same opinion that they are respecting Sergeant Bunce, and they do acquit him of the charges against him. The Court having considered the evidence respecting the charges against Lud Gaylord, are of opinion OP GENERAL WASHINGTON, 199 that he is guilty of endeavoring to excite a mutiny in the Connecticut Line, and that he is also guilty of not discovering an intended mutiny to his Officers, when he knew a plan was laying and combination forming to carry it into execution ; which is in breach of the latter part of article 4, section 2, of the Rules and Articles of War; and the Court, (upwards of two-thirds agreeing,) do sentence him to suffer death. The Comraander-in-Chief approves the opinions of the Court Martial, and orders the execution of Lud Gaylord on Monday the thirteenth of May instant. Sergeants Jared Bunce and Wyraan Parker, and George Wilson, to be released from confinement Elijah Kelley to receive his punishment, at such time and place as shall be convenient to the Officer commanding the Regiment he belongs to. [140,] AFTER ORDERS. Highlands, May 12th, 1782. Pursuant to the After Orders of his Excellency the Commander-in-Chief of this day, Lud Gaylord is to be executed tomorrow the thirteenth instant, between the hours of twelve o'clock at noon, and one o'clock post meridian; the Troops at West Point and Detachments from the Connecticut Line, and third Massachusetts Brigade, to attend the execution. 200 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS [ 141. ] Head Quarters, Newburg, May 13, 1782. Mr. Nathaniel Sackett has obtained permission fi-om the Commander-in-Chief to suttle to the Army untfi further Orders, upon his conforming to the regulations for conducting that business, which wifi be pointed out to him by the Ouarter-Master-General. [ 142. J Head Quarters, Newburgh, May 14, 1782. The Pay-Masters of the several Regiments wifi ap ply to the Assistant Clothier-General for shirts and hats. As there is not at present a full supply of hats for the Army, two Regiments in the Massachusetts, and one in the Connecticut Line, must remain unsup- plied until hats can be procured, which will be as soon as possible. T he C ommandants of Regiments are to determine by lot, or consent, what Regiraents shafi receive the hats in store. The Regiments of the Massachusetts Line, which have lately received hats and shirts from their State Clothier, are not to be considered in the present distribution. As there may be some little difference in the size of the hats, the several Regiments, which are fortunate, will cast lots which shall have the first choice. It is expected that the Commanding Officers OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 201 of Corps, which shafi be corapleted with hats, wifi be extremely attentive to give them a mifitary and uniform appearance by cutting, cocking, or adding such decor ations as they may think proper. The Clothier wifi use his utpiost to obtain hats or caps, as soon as pos sible, for the three Regiments which cannot be furnish ed from the stock now on hand. Previous to every Inspection, the Clothier-General, or his Assistant, will furnish the Inspector with an Abstract of the Clothing, which has been issued to each Regiment, since the last Inspection, that, by comparing their accounts with the Company books, and the articles actually in possession of the soldier, the economy of the Regiment may be evinced, and all kinds of negligence, or irregularity, prevented. The Clothier is, if practicable, to obtain worsted shoulder knots for the Non-Commissioned Officers; the Sergeants are to be distinguished by one on each shoulder; and the Corporals by one on the right shoulder ; and, in the mean tirae, it is proposed that a piece of white cloth should be substituted by way of distinction. Major Bayfies is appointed an extra Aid-de-Camp to the Commander-in-Chief and is to be obeyed accordingly. [ 143. ] Garrison Orders, West Point, May 17, 1782. All those who have horses on this Post, that are 26 202 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS not entitled by Act of Congress to keep them, are to take thera off by next Sunday, or they will be put into the public waggons, and eraployed in drawing wood for the use of the Garrison. [ 144. ] The Board appointed the third of September, 1782,* to determine relative to the rank of the Subaltern Officers in the Massachusetts Line, having very carefully examined the pretensions of each Officer, do report; — It is our opinion the Subaltern Officers ought to take rank in the Massachusetts Line, in the following order : .^' ~ No. Names. 5 No. Na7nes. 1. Ezekiel Cooper, 22. Charles Selden, 9 2. Samuel Eldred, 2 23. Jonathan Ames, 2 3. Oliver Rous, 5 24. Thomas Freeman, 7 4. William Torrey, 2 25. James Davis, 3 5. Hezekiah Ripley, 2 26. Samuel Bushham, 3 6. Isaac Sturtevant, 9 27. Luther Trowbridge, 7 7. Nathaniel Coit Allen, 10 28. Inez Holland, 5 8. Thomas Edwards, 9 29. John Maynard, 3 9. Edward Walker, 4 30. Samuel Mellish, 3 10. Patrick Phelon, 9 31. Joseph Foot, 1 11. Samuel Rogers, 9 32. John Green, 8 12. Samuel Cogswell, 9 33. Samuel Snow, 4 13. Ebenezer Williams, 1 34. Robert Givens, 7 14. Joshua Clapp, 8 35. Levi Dodge, 10 15. Samuel Buffington, 7 36. Samuel Benjamin, 8 16. James Lunt, 7 37. Jonathan Haskell, 7 17. Henry White, 8 38. John Grace, 1 18. Thomas Cushing, 1 39. Thomas HoUis Condy, 9 19. William Taylor, 2 40. Nathan Holbrook, 6 20. Robert M uzzy. 2 41. Samuel Chapin, 4 21. Joseph Smith, 5 42. 1 Ralph H. Bowles, 1 Probably 1781. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 203 ...^ ..o JVo. Names. no No. Names. 'S 43. Aaron Francis, 82. John Meacham, 3 44. John Phelon, 6 83. John Holden, 6 45. Simeon Spring, 4 84. Crocker Sampson, 7 46, Benjamin Dana, 3 85. Daniel Symonds. 5 47. William Greenleaf, 3 86. Jabez Bill, 4 48. Joel Pratt, 4 87. John Davis, 4 49. William Wigglesmith, 6 88. John Yeomans, 4 50. Samuel Armstrong, 8 89. George Reab, 7 51. William Eysandeau, 5 90. Benjamin Wells, 1 52. Adriel Warren, 1 91. James Bancroft, 8 53. John Crane, 6 92. Joseph Miller, 6 54. Ephraim Emery, 6 93. Joshua Danforth, 2 55. Henry Marble, 5 94. Benjamin Ray, 4 56. Peter Cartaing, 9 95. Henry Savage, 3 57. Levi Holden, 6 96. Nathaniel Frye, 8 58. Silas Morton, 2 97. Azariah Eggleston, 1 59. Elijah Day, 7 98. Gamaliel Bradford, 7 60. Richard Bagnal, 7 99. Oliver Rice, 9 61. Ebenezer Storer, 2 100. Samuel Myrick, 2 62. AsaBuUard, 2 101. Bartholomey Frazer, 10 63. John Whiting, 2 102. William Hildrith, 8 64. Benjamin Parker, 9 103. Levi Parker, 7 65. Joseph Leeland, 8 104. Joseph Crook, 10 66. Nathaniel Nason, 1 105. Ansel Tupper, 10 67. Francis Tufts, 8 106. Joseph Wales, 10 68. Edward White, 8 107. Thomas Foster, 8 69. Joshua Bramhall, 7 108. Elisha Hammond, 5 70. Andrew Bradford, 7 109. Stephen Forster, 3 71. Joseph Tucker, 7 110. James Wells, 4 72. Jeremiah Hill. 9 111. Park Holland, 5 73. Reuben Tilhe, 6 112. Joseph Raymond, 10 74. Michael Jackson, 8 113. Elias Parker, 1 75. Nathaniel Stone, 1 114. Thomas Cole, 4 76. Obadiah Lovejoy, 10 115. Joseph Balcom, 6 77. Tertius Taylor, 10 116. Peletiah Everett, 5 78. Ebenezer Stockes, 3 117. Solomon White, 6 79. Josiah Smith, 10 118. Ebenezer Wild, 1 80. John Smith, 3 119. Ephraim Hunt, 9 81. Zibeau Hooker, 5 NAMES 3 OF ENSIGNS. No. Names. J JVo. Names. 1. Marlby Turner, 2 7. Henry Nelson, 2 2. Sturgeon Sloan, 2 8. Ebenezer Davis, 8 3. Nathaniel Thacher, 9 9. Ebenezer Brown, 2 4. Edward Phelon, 9 10. Levi Bradley, 4 5. William Kendry, 7 11. William Bancroft, 5 6. Andrew Garrett, 7 12. Robert Williams, 9 204 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS ~ ~ No. Names. 9 No. Names. I 13. Jonathan Rickard, 39. Jedediah Waterman, 8 14. Benjamin Gilbert, 5 40. James Lever, 7 15. Joel Jenkins, 8 41. Frederick Frye, 1 16. Samuel Bowman, 3 42. James Sawyer, 10 17. Nathaniel Little, 2 43. Ebenezer Kent, 9 18. Daniel Webber, 2 44. Elisha Horton, 19. Moses Carlton, 5 45. Charles Sole, 6 20. John Holdridge, 3 46. Asa Graves, 6 21. John Warren, 5 47. Jeduthan Rawson, 6 22. Jacob Town, 4 48. Jeremiah Lord, 6 23. Benjamin Pierce, 8 49. John Rowe, 8 24. Elisha Wellington, 3 50. Elisha Foster, 6 25. Daniel Parker, 8 51. John Hurd, 9 26. Josiah Convers, 3 52. Dominick Trent, 9 27. Spencer Wood, 4 53. William Gordon, 9 28. Caleb Swan, 8 54. Ephraim Potter, 9 29. Samuel Day, 4 55. Jason Blake, 5 30. James Witherd, 10 56. Josiah Abbott, 10 31. Philip Corey, 10 57. Jonathan Wing, 5 32. Elijah Witherd, 10 58. Alexander Oliver, 5 33. Frederick Hammond, 10 59. Ebenezer Floydd, 1 34. Cornelius Lyman, 10 60. Timothy Donnell, 1 35. Africa Hamlin, 4 61. Jacob Smith, 6 36. William Shephard, 4 62. John Stafford, 3 37. Isaac Franks, 7 63. James Scott, 7 38. Ephraim Covil, 4 64. Humphrey Greaton, 3 [ 145. ] Head Quarters, Newburg, May 16, 1782. The General is extreraely concerned to learn that an article, so salutary as that of distilled liquor was expected to be when properly used, and which was designed for the refreshraent and corafort of the Troops, has been in many instances productive of very ill consequences. He calls the attention of Officers of every grade OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 205 to remedy these abuses, and to watch over the health of their men; for which purpose he suggests the expedient of keeping fiquor rolls in every corps, from which the name of every soldier shall be struck off who addicts himself to drunkenness, or injures his constitution by intemperance. Such soldiers as are struck off are not to draw liquor on any occasion, but are to receive other ar ticles in fieu thereof The Ouarter-Masters, upon receiving commuted articles, are to receipt for the fufi amount of rations included in the returns, that there may be no irregularity in the returns. The evil practice of swallowing the whole ration of fiquor at a single draught is also to be prevented, by causing the Sergeants to see it duly distributed daily, and mixed with water at stated times; in which case, instead of being pernicious, it wifi becorae very refreshing and salutary. An object so essential to the health of the men, ought, not only to be super intended by the Officers of Pofice, but to be deemed worthy to attract the attention of every Officer who is anxious for the reputation of the Corps to which he belongs, the welfare of individuals, and the good of the service. But it rests principally with the Commandants of Corps to have so useful a regula tion carried effectually into execution, as well as to observe cleanliness, and economy, and good order, within the spheres of their respective commands. Major-General Heath wifi be pleased to settie with the Brigadiers and Commanding Officers of Brigades, the quantity of liquor proper to be drawn in kind by 206 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS the Troops ; after which, he is authorised to com mute, by agreement with the Contractors, the rations of whiskey, or such proportion of them, as may be judged necessary, for vegetables, or other articles, agreeably to the prices fixed in the contract to the component parts of a ration. [ 146. ] Head Quarters, Newburg, May 17, 1782. The Commander-in-Chief proposes to take an early occasion of reviewing the Array; previous to which, the Commandant of Artifiery wfil have a sufficient number of blank cartridges made, to give ten rounds to every man. — Major-General the Baron Steuben wfil please to point out the manoeu vres to be performed, and give the necessary direc tions to the Troops accordingly. The Light Infantry Companies are to be com pleted to the establishment out of the first Recruits of a proper description for that service, which shafi be received in the several State Lines. — None but men enfisted for the War, or three years, are to be comprehended in this order. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 207 [ 147. ] Head Quarters, Newburg, May 18, 1782. Upon a late visit to the Hospitals, the General was pleased to find thera in such good order. He is happy in persuading himself that the most tender and assiduous attention will continue to be paid to the sick and wounded ; and that the circumstances of the pubfic will enable them to be amply supplied with medicines, refreshments, and accommodations. [148.] Head Quarters, Newburg, Monday, May 20, 1782. The General did not make any remarks in the last Inspection returns, because, at that time, several Corps had not received their new Clothing, and con sequently a difference of appearance was unavoid able. He cannot, however, conceal the pleasure he receives from finding the two Regiments of New York in the best order possible, by the report of the Inspector- General ; which also concurred with his own observations. — As, on the one hand, it will afford the highest satisfaction to the Commander-in- Chief to have frequent opportunities of giving hon orable testimony to railitary merit ; so, on the other, he is convinced that the good of the service, and the faithful discharge of his duty, require that every re- 208 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS markable instance of demerit, want of attention, or negligence, should meet with reprehension, he wiU not therefore, hesitate to commit to the record of the Array, what shafi appear to hira to be the dis tinguishing characteristic of any particular corps. [ 149. ] Head Quarters, Newburg, Tuesday, May 28, 1782. The Commander-in-Chief is happy in the oppor tunity of announcing to the Army, the birth of a Dauphin of France ; and, desirous of giving a gen eral occasion of testifying the satisfaction which, he is convinced, will pervade the breast of every Ameri can Officer and Soldier, on the communication of an event so highly interesting to a monarch and nation, who have given such distinguishing proofs of their attachment, is pleased to order a feu de joie on Thursday next; and requests the company of all the General, Regimental, and Staff Officers of the Army, who are not necessarily detained by duty, at West Point on that day at four o'clock. Com manding Officers of Brigades and Corps wifi receive particular instructions for their government. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON, 209 [ 150, ] Head Quarters, Newburg, Wednesday, May 29, 1782. The Troops are to be suppfied with an extra gifi of Rum per man tomorrow. MEMORANDUM, The Commander-in-Chief desires his compfi- ments may be presented to the Officers' Ladies, with and in the neighborhood of the Army, together with a request that they will favor hira with their com pany at dinner on Thursday next, at West Point The General will be happy to see any other Ladies of his own or his friends' acquaintance, on the occa sion, without the formality of a particular invitation. [151,] Inspector-General's Order,* May 30, 1782, The Regimental Ouarter-Masters will instantly apply to the Conductor of Military Stores for three blank cartridges for each man and Non-Commis sioned Officer ; they will be carefiil that all the other cartridges are taken out of the boxes, and delivered to the men as soon as the fen de joie is over. — Colonel Crane will please to direct that the thirteen cannon which are to compose the Park are fur- • Probably issued at West Point, 27 210 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS nished with two hundred and eight blank cartridges ; Fort Sherburne six ; the South Redout with three ; and the Garrison at Stoney Point with thirteen. Colonel Crane's Regiment of Artillery wifi parade and receive his Excellency on his arrival; after which, one Captain, Captain-Lieutenant, and two Sub-Lieu tenants, with sixty privates of the same Regiment, will form a Guard of Infantry, and receive the Inspec tor-General's particular orders ; the remainder of the Regiraent will man the Batteries. The discharge of thirteen cannon from the Park, after the first toast, wifi be fofiowed by a simfiar dis charge from the Garrison of Stoney Point The signal for the commenceraent of the feu de joie will be given by the cannon frora Fort Sherburne, and, in each vofiey, as soon as the Regiraent on the left of the Line has finisfied to fire, one cannon from the South Redout wifi be given, as a signal for the Park to renew the firing, which will be repeated three times. After the fire-works are played off, the ceremony wifi be concluded by a discharge of three cannon from Fort Sherburne. The Officers will pay the most minute attention to the arms of the Troops, that they may be in the best possible order. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 211 [ 152. ] Head Quarters, Newburg, Thursday, May 30, 1782. The celebration of the birth of the Dauphin of France, which was to have taken place this day, is to be postponed until tomorrow, ihe 31st inst A Plan for conducting the Rejoicing on Thursday, the 2,1st May, 1782.* The Troops, having previously cooked their pro visions, will march frora their Cantonments at such an hour as will admit of their being at the places severally assigned them by half after two o'clock, * It appears, by several orders, issued at "Highlands'" (the Head Quarters of Gen'l Heath) between the dates. May 28 and the above date, that large fatigue parties had been constantly at work in procuring "small timber and some other materials," from the neighborhood of West Point. On the 24th it was ordered that " the 30 fatigue men now with the Engineer at West Point, having some particular knowledge of a particular piece of business which the Engineer has on hand, are not to be reheved until the 31st inst." — On the 25th it was stated in orders, that "All the Carpenters and Joiners in the Army are wanted for a few days at West Point, to assist in erecting and completing an arbor ; they are to be immediately draughted and sent for that purpose." — On the 26th it was ordered that "the Connecticut Line, and 3d Massachu setts Brigade, are to cover the arbor building at West Point. — The Commanding Officers of the Brigades will appoint an officer from each to attend Major Villefranche this evening, who will designate the part they are severally to perform, and when it is to be completed. The Superintending Officers are to be furnished with such numbers of men from their respective Brigades, as they think necessary to finish the Bower in the time limited, for which they are responsible." — On the 27th it was ordered, that " 2 Captains, 4 Subalterns, 6 Sergeants, and 150 rank and file, be for fatigue tomorrow ; a Captain, Subaltern, and 50 men of which are to parade at reveille beating, and work until 8 o'clock in the morning, at which time the remainder are to turn out, and work 212 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS post meridian, where they wifi remain in columns under cover, until the discharge of three pieces of cannon at West Point, which will be a signal for the colurans to advance and display in full view of the Point, and stack their arms. That done, all the Officers, (except one Field Officer to each Brigade, and one Battalion Officer to each Regiment on the east side of the river, who are to remain with their Corps,) are requested to repair to West Point, where the General expects the pleasure of their company at dinner. Dinner wifi be on the table at four o'clock, at which time a proportion of liquor will be distributed to each Regiment and Corps by their respective Ouarter-Masters. After dinner thirteen Toasts wifi be drank, and each Toast announced by a discharge of Artifiery. As soon as the thirteenth is drank, the Officers wifi rise frora table, and join their respective Regiments, At half after seven, the feu de joie will commence with the discharge of thirteen pieces of cannon from the Park, succeeded by a fire of musketry from the Infantry in the fofiowing order, viz: — 2d Massachusetts Brigade, 1 ditto ditto, 1 Connecticut ditto, 2 ditto ditto, 10 Massachusetts Regiment 3 ditto Brigade, until 6 o'clock in the evening; then the others are to work again until dark. This is to be done until the Bower is completed," " They are to be under the direction of Major Villefranche." These extracts are made, to shew the anxiety manifested by the Ameri can Army, to give the utmost display to the "Celebration" here directed. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON, 213 The firing being three times repeated in the same order, the Officers coraraanding Corps will, with an audible voice, pray to God to bless the Dauphin of France, and grant him long life and happiness, and the Troops give three cheers. The fireworks will then be displayed from Fort Webb, and the ceremony concluded by a discharge of three pieces of cannon from the Park, which will also serve as a signal for the Troops to return to their cantonment. [ 153, ] Head Quarters, Newburg, Saturday, June 1, 1782, The inspection and muster of the different Corps composing the Army, will take place for the month of May, in the following order, viz. — The New York Brigade on the 4th of June, the Jersey Brigade and the first Massachusetts on the 6th, the York Artil lery and Corps at Burfington on the 9th ; the Rhode Island Regiment and Corps at Phfiadelphia, and the New Hampshire Regiments, on the 12th; the second Massachusetts Brigade on the 8th, the third Massa chusetts Brigade on the 10th, the tenth Massachu setts Regiment on the 12th, the first Connecticut Brigade on the 14th, the second Connecticut Brigade on the 16th, the Massachusetts Artillery on the 18th, and the Corps of Invalids, for the months they have not been mustered, on the 23d instant, — The Olfi- 214 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS cers, in making out their rolls, wifi be careful not to insert in the column of mustered any men but those who will actually be present, and the Adjutants wifi make out the proof from that column alone. — It is expected the books of the different Regiments, by that inspection, wfil be completely opened, and the different entries made as were directed last year. — Rolls scratched and blotted wfil in future not be re ceived, and the different returns to be raade are to be handed to the Inspector on the Parade, signed and ready for examination. [154.] Head Quarters, Newburg, Tuesday, June 4, 1782. The Detachment on the Lines is to be relieved by entire Companies of Ligfit Infantry in rotation: all other Guards and Detachments, except the Water Guard, are to be furnished by Corps, as far as the nature of the service will possibly admit Afi Guards and Detachments are to draw provi sions with their Regiments ; sufficient to serve them during their tour, if possible. When provisions wifi not keep the length of time they are detached for, or when there is a probability of their being victualled at any otfier Post, they are to carry with them cer tificates, shewing the time they have been victualled to with their Regiments, and carry back to their Regiments certificates, shewing for what time they have been victualled during their absence. OP GENERAL WASHINGTON. 215 [ 155. ] Head Quarters, Newburg, June 5, 1782. By the last Inspection return, the Commander-in- Chief witii pleasure observes the Array is in a much better state than it was the preceding raonth. The Regiments of the New York Line, the first Regiment of Jersey coraraanded by Colonel Crane, and tfie seventh.Massachusetts Regiraent commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant Brooks, are reported to be in excellent order. The General hopes any little irregularities which have crept into the service, raay be iramediately remedied, and that the few Regiraents which are ^reported to be deficient in attention, raethod, or disci pline, will, by unremitted exertions, prevent their being noticed in an unfavorable manner at the suc ceeding Inspection, and, in consequence thereof held up to view in a disagreeable point of light [156.] West Point, June 9, 1782. The Inspector- General is happy in communicating the approbation, which the Coramander-in-Chief is pleased to express, of the performance of the Troops this morning. — The steadiness and accuracy with which the manoeuvres were performed, prove that the Officers, in general, have paid proper attention, and reflects great honor on them. 216 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS The Commander-in-Chief has also been pleased to direct, that the Brigades in future exercise alter nately every other day, and, on the intermediate days, the several Regiments wifi exercise in detail, on which occasion the Coraraanding Officers will vary the evolutions as they may think proper, paying strict attention to the Regulations ; and th,e Inspector- General cannot omit recommending to the Officers, in the most pointed terms, the necessity of accuracy in priming and loading and marching by files. He entreats the Officers and Soldiers of both Brigades to accept his thanks on the occasion. [ 157. ] Head Quarters, Newburg, Monday, June 10, 1782, The General was yesterday as well satisfied with the appearance and manoeuvring of the second Brigade of Massachusetts, as he was two days before at the review of the first Brigade, — He does not think he ever saw men in service raake a more respectable and soldier-like figure than did the Light Company of the eighth Regiment under arras. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON, 217 [158.] Head Quarters, Newburg, June 12, 1782. The Board of Officers assembled pursuant to the orders of the 12th of May last, to examine into, and report on the principles of the late arrangement of the Subalterns of the Connecticut Line, have made the fofiowing report, which the Commander-in-Chief approves of — He therefore directs that the Officers who constituted that Board, proceed, as soon as con veniently may be, to a final determination of the relative rank of the Subalterns of the Connecticut Line, agreeably to the principles laid down in their late report — To facilitatet his business, it is ordered that a return, wherein the dates of the several com missions by which the Subalterns of that Line have served, shafi be specified in the proper hand-writing of each individual, and which the Commanding Officer of the Line shafi certify to be correct, be without delay made to Major-General Lord Stirling. The Adjutant- General will furnish the form of the return. "The Board of Officers, appointed to examine into the principles of the late arrangement of the Subalterns in the Connecticut Line, do report it as their opinion, that the principles, followed by the Board of Field Officers, in forming that arrangement, are widely different from those pointed out as the basis of such settlement, by the Board of General Officers, convened near Dobbs' ferry in August last, 28 218 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS and which they apprehend the said Field Officers mistook the meaning of as they have disregarded the distinction between first and second Lieutenants, in tended to have been kept up by the arrangement of June 1778, and which the General Officers were of opinion should not be departed frora. — This Board are, therefore, of opinion, that the said late arrange ment ought not to be conclusive, but that it ought to be revised, and made consonant to the principles laid down by the General Officers in August last, by which this Board do not conceive it was intended, that the rank of second Lieutenants, continued by Brevet, should operate after promotion to a Lieutenantcy, except in cases where a second Lieutenant and Ensign have been promoted in the same day." Although the third Brigade of Massachusetts, which was yesterday reviewed, did not, in all re spects, make so good an appearance, under arms, as the other Brigades have done, yet the Commander- in-Chief is disposed to give every favorable afiow ance, on account of the circumstances. — He does not impute it as a fault to the third Regiment, that the men are not supplied with hats, without which it is impossible for a Regiment to make a truly mfiitary figure. He attributes want of exactness in perform ing some of the manoeuvres of the Brigade, to the badness of their position in the mountains,, which has prevented their exercising, except in detail. He remarked, however, with pleasure, that the platoon and battalion firings were performed with more regu larity than in the other Regiraents ; and he flatters OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 219 himself he shall have occasion, at a future review, to give the testimony of applause, to which the un ceasing efforts of both Officers and men shafi justly entitle them. The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to promote Brigadier-General Knox, of Artillery, to the rank of Major-General in the Army, to take rank from the 15th of November last Captain Lillie, of the third Regiment of Artifiery, is appointed Aid-de-Camp to Major-General Knox : Captain Shaw, his former Aid-de-Camp, is continued as such ; they are to be obeyed accordingly. [159.] Head Quarters, Newburg, June 14, 1782. Great credit is due to the Officers and Men of the tenth Massachusetts Regiment, for their attention to the preservation of their Clothing, and for the mili tary appearance they made yesterday under arms. — The Light Company attracted the General's particu lar notice. [ 160. ] Head Quarters, Newburg, June 16, 1782. The Connecticut Brigade appears to be composed of as fine a body of men as any in the Army ; but, as 220 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS they have labored under the same disadvantages for the want of proper ground to exercise upon, as the third Brigade of Massachusetts, the General suspends his final judgment of their comparative merit with the rest of the Array, untfi a fairer opportunity of estab lishing their discipfine can be afforded, by cofiecting the whole together in the field. — The General, in the raean time, is pleased to declare that some of the manoeuvres were yesterday performed with great pre cision ; but he is sorry to find, notwithstanding the recommendation contained in the orders of the 8th instant, that the men in the Light Companies do not take so good aim as he expected. He hopes, by great attention and frequent practice, so useful a habit will be acquired. The General could not avoid feefing some concern that all the Clothing did not appear perfectly fitted to tfie men, particularly the overalls. He wishes these defects may be reraedied as early and fully as possible. [ 161. ] Brigade Orders, West Point,* June 17, 1782, The Honorable Brigadier- General Paterson, hav ing expressed his wish that sorae honorary mark * This order was issued by Col. Putnam, and is here inserted to show the probable origin of a custom that still prevails in the Army, and which was confirmed by Gen'l Washington, with some modifications, in a subsequent order. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 221 of distinction should be worn by each Non-Commis sioned Officer or Private in his Brigade, who has served in the Army of the Unked States a certain length of time; and has also made a present of mate rials for that purpose : — The Commandant thinks proper to direct, that each Non-Commissioned Officer and Private, who has served four years in any Continental Regiment, shafi be entitied to wear one stripe of white^ tape, on the left sleeve of his regimental coat, which shall ex tend fi-om seam to seam, on the upper part of the sleeve, three inches frora and parallel with the shoul der seam, so that the tape may form a herring-bone figure. That none presurae to wear this badge of distinction, but. by the immediate permission of the Colonel or Commandant of the Regiment, who, on its being made to appear to his full satisfaction, that the man who applies for the badge has served four years, as above, wifi please to order this honor pubficly con ferred on hira. The Commandant further directs, that when any Non-Commissioned Officer or Soldier shafi complete eight years' service, he shafi have the addition of another stripe set on one inch below the first. As emulation is essential to promote discipline, the Comraandant wishes, by all laudable measures, to kin dle the fiame in every breast; and considers that pun ishment, as well as reward, is absolutely necessary in afi governraent ; to promote which design, he directs that these marks of distinction, in the first instance, 222 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS be for all who have actually served as above, without discrimination of character ; but, that after the pubh cation of this order, none who shafi commit a crime, for which they are punishable by a Court Martial, shall be entitied to this honorary badge for four years from the time they were found punishable; and should any one who is honored with the badge, be so lost to a sense of honor, which every soldier ought to possess, as to fall under the sentence of a Court Martial, he is to be divested of this badge of honor at the head of the Regiraent, and excluded from wearing it until he shall retrieve his character, by four years' unblemished service. [ 162. ] Head Quarters, Newburg, June 18, 1782. The General informs the Array he had great occa sion to be satisfied at the review of the second Con necticut Brigade yesterday, especially with the soldier like and veteran appearance of the men, and the exactness with which the firings were performed. He felt particular pleasure in observing the cleanfiness and steadiness of the second Regiment under arms. The activity and emulation displayed by the detach ment of Artillery, during the late reviews, deserve encouragement and applause. The review of this Array by Brigades being now OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 223 completed, the Commander-in-Chief is happy, in this opportunity, to present his thanks to Major-General the Baron Steuben, for the indefatigable assiduity, and singular attention exhibited in the late Inspections and Reviews, and for his eminent services in promo ting the discipline of the Array on all occasions ; and, at the sarae time, to express his approbation of the present laudable disposition and pride of Corps, which seem to be diffused throughout the Army. From this spirit of emulation, and a consideration of the amazing contrast between the past and present appearance of the Troops, the General anticipates the happiest consequences; but, being persuaded that appearance alone is not sufficient to establish the reputation, and insure the success of our arms, and that frequent and repeated exercise is absolutely ne cessary to constitute the perfection of discipline, he requests, in the most pointed terms, that the Com manding Officers of Divisions and Brigades will punctually exercise the Troops alternately every other day in Brigade, and by detail. In the course of these exercises the Officers are permitted to vary the manoeuvres, as time, circum stances, and inclination, may prompt, provided they do not deviate frora the established principles. But, in afi cases, the General entreats the Officers to pay the raost rainute attention to the soldier's method of priming and loading, as wefi as of levelling and taking aim. — This is a matter of great consequence; he hopes, therefore, that the utraost pains raay be taken to instruct every individual in this essential part of his profession. 224 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS The Honorable the Secretary at War has re quested the Commander-in-Chief to communicate the very singular satisfaction he enjoyed, in the mili tary appearance and regularity of discipline so ob servable in the Troops he had the honor to review, and, at the same time, assures the Army, he wfil not fail to represent their distinguished merit to Congress, [ 163. ] Head Quarters, Newburg, June 19, 1782. The Court of Inquiry held at the Barracks at Phfiadelphia, the 11th of May, 1782, by order of the Honorable Major-General Lincoln, Secretary at War, whereof Brigadier-General Wilfiams was Presi dent, to inquire into the causes of a complaint, ex hibited by citizens of the State of Pennsylvania, against the Officers and Soldiers belonging to a guard boat, going to a flag of truce in the Delaware, by special orders from the Minister, are of opinion that Lieut. Hobart could not, consistently with the orders which he had received, have permitted the said boat to pass without examination, and therefore think his conduct justifiable. The Commander-in-Chief accepts and approves the report of the Court The Commander-in-Chief having, at the united soficitation of the Officers of this Army, presented the following congratulatory address to the Minister of France : OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 225 The Address of the Commander-in-Chief, the Gen eral, and other Officers of the American Army on the banks of the Hudson. Sir, Amid the general expression of joy on the auspi cious birth of a Dauphin, permit us, the Officers of the American Army, to offer more than a sfient ap probation of those sentiments and congratulations which have been presented by Congress (the Repre sentative Body and Sovereign Power of the United States,) through you, to our great and illustrious Ally, on this happy event. — There are circumstances, sir, which render that, which in a degree is pleasing to all, peculiarly so to some. — The harmony and friend ship which subsisted between the Troops of your August Sovereign and us, during the last campaign, (when the only contention lay in endeavors to exceed each other in acts of emulation and brotherly kind ness,) give us this pre-eminence. — The blood freely offered on both sides, and which was spilt in the same trench, and often mixed in a common stream, for the support of those rights which are interesting to the feelings of humanity and the privileges of freemen, is such a cement to the friendship of the two nations, as nothing but a departure from the principles of the Union, which Heaven avert, can ever dissolve. Not to participate, then, in the general satisfaction occasioned by an event, which adds to the fiBlicity of a Monarch, who raay be viewed in the same moment 29 226 revolutionary orders as the Father of his own Nation, and the Protector of the liberties of others, and which contributes so much to the happiness of a People, to whom we are alfied in interest and affection, would be an argument of great insensibility on our part. That Divine Providence may shed its choicest blessings upon the King of France and his Royal Consort, and favor thera with a long, happy, and glorious reign ; That the Dauphin may live to inherit the virtues and the Crown of his illustrious Progeni tors ; That he raay reign over the hearts of a happy and generous People, and be among the happiest in his Kingdom, is our sincere and fervent wish. In behalf of the Array, (Signed,) George Washington. To which his Excefiency the Chevalier De La Luzerne, was pleased to return an answer, of which the fofiowing is a translation. To His Excellency General Washington, Commander- in-Chief the Generals and other Officers of the American Army on Hudson River. Gentlemen, I shall transmit to his Majesty the address you have been pleased to send me, on the birth of an heir to his Crown. — It will afford hira infinite satis faction, to find with what joy this event has inspired you, and he wifi see with pleasure, that the same Army, which has given so many proofs of courage and patriotism, and which has, in the most perfect harmony and concert with his own Troops, fought OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 227 the common enemy, now hastens to shew that nothing which affects the French Nation can be indifferent to them. The young Prince, whose birth is the object of your congratulations, will, from his infancy, hear re counted the glorious actions by which we have effected the Independence and happiness of a vast Continent : And when they would cite to him examples of disinterestedness, constancy, courage, and every other military virtue, they will repeat to him the names of your illustrious Chiefs. He is born at a moment when victory has crowned both our Nations. — This circumstance is a happy presage of his future glory, and promises that he wifi one day be the support of your Independence, as well as of the alliance which unites France with the United States. The veneration that your actions and your virtues have inspired me with. Gentlemen, augments the pleasure that I have in conveying your sentiments to the King my Master. I beg you to be persuaded, that no one is with more sincere respect, Gentiemen, your very humble and very obedient servant, Le Chevalier De La Luzerne. 228 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS [ 164. ] Head Quarters, Newburg, Aug. 7th, 1782. Honorary badges of distinction are to be conferred on the Veteran Non-Comraissioned Officers and Soldiers of the Army, who have served more than three years with bravery, fidelity, and good conduct; for tfiis purpose a narrow piece of wfiite cloth, of an angular form, is to be fixed to the left arm, on the uniform coat. Non-Commissioned Officers and Soldiers, who have served with equal reputation more than six years, are to be distinguished by two pieces of cloth, set on parafiel to each other, in a similar form. Should any, who are not entitled to the honors, have the insolence to assume the badges of them, they shafi be severely punished. On the other hand, it is expected these gallant men wfio are thus distin guished, wifi, on afi occasions, be treated with par ticular confidence and consideration. The General, ever desirous to cherish a virtuous ambition in his soldiers, as well as to foster and en courage every species of military merit, directs that, wherever any singularly meritorious action is per formed, the author of it shafi be permitted to wear on his facings, over his left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth, or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding. — Not only instances of unusual gallantry, but also of extraordinary fidelity, and essential service in any way, shafi meet with a due reward. Before this favor can be conferred on any man, the particu- OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 229 lar fact, or facts, on which it is to be grounded, must be set forth to the Commander-in-Chief accom panied with certificates frora the Commanding Offi cers of the Regiraent and Brigade to which the can didate for reward belonged, or other incontestible proof; and, upon granting it, the narae and Regi ment of the person, with the action so certified, are to be enrolled in the Book of Merit, which wifi be kept at the Orderly Office.— Men who have merited this last distinction, to be suffered to pass afi guards and sentinels which Officers are permitted to do. — The road to glory in a patriot Army, and a free country, is th.us opened to all. — This order is also to have retrospect to the eariiest stages of the War, and to be considered as a permanent one. [ 165. ] Head Quarters, Newburg, Aug. 11. 1782. In order to prevent misapplication of the hon orary badges of distinction, to be conferred on the Non-Commissioned Officers and Soldiers, in conse quence of long and faithful service, through any mis take, or misapprehension of the orders of the 7th instant, the General thinks proper to inform the Army, that they are only attainable, by an uninter rupted series of faithful and honorable services. A soldier who has retired from the field of glory, for feits all pretension to precedence from former ser- 230 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS vices, and a man who has deservedly met an igno minious punishment or degradation, cannot be ad mitted a candidate for any honorary distinction, unless he shafi have wiped away the stain his repu tation has suffered, by some very brfifiant acfiieve- raent, or by serving with reputation, after his disgrace, the number of years which entitle other men to that indulgence. The badges which Non-Commissioned Officers and Soldiers are permitted to wear on the left arm, as a mark of long and faithful services, are to be of the same color with the facings of the Corps they belong to, and not white in every instance, as di rected in the order of the 7th inst. [ 166. ] Head Quarters, Newburg, Aug. 12, 1782. The General notices with great complacency, that strict obedience which has been paid to his recom mendation respecting fitting, and putting on the clothing, cocking and decorating the hats, as wefi as giving almost every other article a martial and uni form appearance. Notwithstanding the Troops are verging so near per fection, some small injproveraents raay yet be made ; to wear the hair cut or tied in the same manner through out a whole Corps, would still be a very considerable improvement ; where it cannot be done in a Regi- OP GENERAL WASHINGTON. 231 ment, simfiarity in a Company would add much to the beauty of it. At general inspection and reviews, two pounds of flour, and one half pound of rendered tallow, per hundred men, may be drawn from the Contractors, for dressing the hair, upon returns of the number, and certificates of the use, signed by Commanding Offi cers of Brigades, countersigned by the Inspector ; an order given thereon by the General next in command to the Commander-in-Chief shall be a sufficient voucher to the Contractor for the delivery. — This gratukous supply to cease whenever the Troops shafi be enabled to procure it another way. [167.] Brigade Orders,* Aug. 12, 1782. As the Commander-in-Chief has ordered hon orary badges of distinction to be worn by the Non- Commissioned Officers and Privates of the Army, by which means the Brigade order of the 17th of June is superseded : the Commandant orders, that afi the badges which have been assumed by the Brigade, in consequence of the aforesaid order, be taken off; and the Commanding Officers of Regiraents wifi see the badges allowed by the Coramander-in-Chief are affixed to the proper subjects of them, agreeably to the General Orders of the 7th and 11th instant • Probably Col. Putnam's Orders. 2 32 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS [ 168. ] Head Quarters, Newburg, Aug. 17, '82. Doubts having arisen, how far a Col. or Lt-Col. Comd't is supposed to give up the superintendence, or command of his own Regiment, or Corps, while commanding a Brigade as Senior Officer of it, de tached upon a temporary duty, upon Court Martial, or absent on furlough, the Comraander-in-Chief is pleased to make the following determinations, which are to be observed in future: Whfie a Col. or Lt-Col. Comd't commands a Brigade, in which his own Regiment or Corps is included, he is to issue his Regimental Orders as usual ; he is to sign all Regimental returns, and is to order and make all general regulations for the inter nal police of tfie Reg't or Corps, so far as they may be consistent with the regulations for the order and discipline of the Troops of the United States. The same wifi apply, when a Col. or Lt-Col. Comd't is upon Court Martial, in Camp, or Garrison, with his Regiment or Corps. — But, when a Col. or Lt-Col. Comd't is detached upon a temporary duty, or absent upon furlough, the command of the Regiraent or Corps will naturally devolve upon the next senior Officer, who will issue Regimental Orders, and sign afi returns which may be called for, in the absence of his Col. or Lt-Col. Comd't; but he shall, on no account whatever, presurae to raake any material akerations in the Pofice which may have been estab lished, for the internal government of the Regiment, OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 233 or Corps, without first consulting his Col. or Lieut.- Col. Comd't, except he should be detached to such distance, or absent for such a time, and at such a dis tance, that he cannot communicate with him, without permitting the Regiment or Corps to suffer for want of such alteration, in the meanwhile. The same rules raay, in sorae degree, apply to the conduct of Gen'l Officers, under similar circum stances. Should a Major-Gen'l commanding a Di vision, be necessarily absent, the eldest Brigadier wifi, of course, command the Division during his absence ; but he is, notwithstanding, to retain the superinten dence of his own Brigade, issue Brigade Orders, and sign all returns relating to it. [169.] Head Quarters, Newburg, Aug. 18, 1782. The General has the pleasure to inform the Army of the total recovery of the State of Georgia from the hands of the enemy. On the 11th of July the British evacuated Savannah, leaving the town and works uninjured. Of the Citizens who have returned to their afie- giance, near two hundred enfisted into the Continen tal Battalion of Georgia, and k was expected the Corps would soon be completed without any expense. Brig.-Gen'l Wayne, who coraraanded in that State, 30 234 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS appears to have merited great applause by his con duct there. The Regimental Pay-Masters wifi apply to the Dep'y Clothier-General for a further supply of hunt ing shirts. [ 170. ] Head Quarters, Newburg, Aug. 19, 1782. The Honorable the Congress having thought it necessary at this juncture to pass the following reso lutions, the Comraander-in-Chief takes occasion to communicate thera to the Army. " By the United States in Congress assembled, August 12, 1782. " Whereas, from the late publications, the people throughout the United States may be induced to believe, that Congress have received authentic com munications upon the subject of an approaching peace. "Resolved, That the letter of August 2d, 1782, from Sir Guy Carlton and Admiral Digby to the Commander-in-Chief be made public. "Resolved, That Congress consider the above let ter as a mere matter of inforraation, inexplicit as to the nature and extent of the Independency directed to be proposed by the British Plenipotentiary; and as Congress have received no inforraation, upon this OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 235 subject, from their Ministers for negociating a peace, therefore no pubfic measures can, or ought to be, taken upon it in its present form. " Resolved, That it be, and it is hereby recom mended, to the several States in the Union, not to remit their exertions for carrying on the War with vigor, as the only effectual means of securing the set tlement of a safe and honorable peace." The sentiments contained in the foregoing are too just and obvious to need descanting upon; the Gene ral, therefore, fiatters himself that both Officers and soldiers, so far fi-om relaxing in tfie least, from that laudable spirit which at present actuates them, wifi rather increase their endeavors to render themselves perfect in the duties of their respective stations. They raay be assured, that the readiest way to pro cure lasting and honorable peace, is to be fully pre pared vigorously to prosecute war. N. B. — The letter alluded to in the above resolu tion, is that of the 2d of Aug't, frora Sir Guy Carkon and Admiral Digby to the Coraraander-in-Chief; which, having been already published in most of the newspapers, it is thought to be unneccessary to tran scribe into General Orders, [ 171, ] Head Quarters, Newburg, Aug't 20, '82. At the General Court Martial of which Col, M, 236 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS Jackson is President, Ensign , of the 10th Mass'ts Regiment, was tried for ungentlemanlike behaviour, in casting refiections on a late Regimental Court Martial, whereof Capt Lunt, or Capt Taylor, was President ; in particular, in saying that a certain sol dier, who was brought before the Court, would have been punished, if there had not been partiality used, mean ing by the merabers of the said Court. — The Court, on consideration, are of opinion, that Ensign , in a conversation, said that a certain soldier, who was brought before a Court Martial, would have been punished, had there not been partiality used, and that, in so saying, he conveyed a refiection on the Court Martial which tried the soldier, which, from the evi dence, appears to have been the Court of which Capt Taylor was President, in breach of article 5, section 18, of the Rules and Articles of War, and sentence that Ensign be reprimanded in Regi mental Orders. The Commander-in-Chief approves the sentence of the Court It is to take place accordingly. At the same Court, Ensign , of the 8th Mass'ts Regiment, was tried, charged with exceeding the limits of his furlough, or leave of absence, four hun dred and eighty-five days frora the expiratipn, and neglecting to join his Regiment, when cafied upon so to do, agreeable to a resolve of Congress in such cases made and provided. The Court, on consideration, are of opinion, that the charges against Ensign are supported ; that he has been notified, agreeable to the resolve of Con- OF GENERAL WASHINGTON, 237 gress, Dec'r 6, 1779, to join his Regiment, and that he has neglected so to do, or to give satisfactory rea sons for his remaining absent therefrom ; and therefore sentence hira to be cashiered. The Commander-in-Chief approves the sentence, and directs that Ensign 's pay cease from the ex piration of the date of his furlough. [172.] Head Quarters, Newburg. Aug't 21, '82. The Light Infantry of this Army is to be organ ized and coraraanded in the fofiowing manner : — The four flank Companies of Mass'ts, frora the 1st to the 4th Regiment inclusive, to compose a Battalion under the orders of Major Oliver ; — four others from the 5th to the 8th, to compose another Battafion, under the orders of Major Ashley; — these two Battalions to form a Regiraent, to be coraraanded by Col. H. Jack son. The two remaining fiank Corapanies of Massa chusetts, the flank Corapany of the 5th Connecticut Regiraent, and that of the Rhode Island, are to forra a Battalion under the coraraand of Major Dexter. The four Companies of Connecticut, from the 1st to the 4th inclusive, to compose another Battalion, un der the orders of Major Smith ; and these two Bat talions to forra a Regiraent, under the coramand of Col. Webb. The four Light Companies of the York and Jersey Lines, to forra a Battafion, under tiie cora- 238 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS mand of Major Forman. Those of New Hampshire and the Canadian Regiment, wfil do duty with their respective Regiraents till further orders. The Corps of Light Infantry to encamp forthwith upon the high ground in front of Peek's mill, and to be commanded by the senior Officer, tifi further orders. The duty on the Lines is to be done by them as usual, Major-General Knox will be pleased to annex two pieces of Light Artifiery to this Corps, The Brigades of Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, are to hold themselves in rea diness to march at an hour's warning ; those at West Point, and in the vicinity of it, will move by water. The Ouarter-Master-General wifi, without loss of time, make a proportionate distribution of all the boats in repair, and not appropriated to other indispensably necessary uses, to the several Brigades, according to their strength ; the Ouarter-Masters of which are, with out delay, to remove them to the nearest convenient landing to their respective Brigades, place guards over thera, and are to be responsible for the safe keep ing and care of them, tifi further orders. So soon as this order is complied with, report thereof is to be made at Head Ouarters, together with the number and kind of boats defivered to each Brigade, In this distribution, the Brigades of York and Jersey are to receive a due proportion. The relief of the Infantry on the Lines is postponed, untfi it can take place agreeable to this day's orders, of which Major Ashley is to be informed. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 239 The Commanding Officers of the Infantry Regi ments, will please, for the present, to appoint an Ad jutant and Ouarter-Master to their respective Regi ments, frora the Subalterns of the Infantry. The Director of the Hospkal, or Physician to the Army, is requested to appoint a Surgeon and Mate, to each Regiment of Infantry, from the Regimental Surgeons and Mates. [ 173. ] * Head Quarters, Newburg, Aug. 23d, 1782. The Army being now to assemble, and take the field in the immediate presence of their General, he announces his resolution, that perfect discipline shafi be observed, as well on parade, in the duties of the Camp, and the^ service of the Guards, as in the gen eral econoray and order of the Line. — The General expects the same unabating ardor and attention * Gen. Washington had, for some time, contemplated an attack on New York, in combination with the French; but, about this time, being uncertain as to this co-operation, so far as it respected the Navy, and hearing of the coming of Count de Grasse into the Chesapeake, he determined to leave the command on the Hudson to Gen. Heath, and move at once to the South, in order to command in person against Lord CornwaUis. Accordingly, soon after the date of this order, the Army marched towards New York, with a view to deceive Sir Henry Clinton, who still remained under the impression that New York was the object of Washington, until the Troops of the latter had neariy reached the Delaware, when it was too late to interpose any obstacles. Gen. Washington crossed the Delaware on this route about the begin ning of Sept'r. 240 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS wifi be seen in perfecting the Troops in their exer cises and raanoeuvres, which have already been pro ductive of such astonishing effects ; relying on the abifity, experience, and zeal of his Officers, the pa tience, docility, and fortitude of the Soldiers, he pro mises himself that the good conduct of this Army wifi hereafter be cited as a pattern of imitation for railitary raen ; and, that their past services and achievements are but a presage of a richer harvest of glory in prospect. Under such auspicious circumstanced, he contem plates, with infinite pleasure, the moraent which shafi again unite our standards with those of our generous and gallant Allies, in the face of our coramon enemy. That happy moraent he flatters himself is not far distant. [ 174. ] Head Quarters, Newburg, Aug. 24, 1782. Major-General Knox will please to order a field- piece to each Brigade. — The Light Infantry are to receive no more, notwithstanding the order of the 21st for two. — No more Artifiery is to be taken into the field until further orders ; but the remainder of that Corps, the Sappers and Miners, 10th Massachusetts Regiraent, and Corps of Invalids, are for Garrison and other duty at West Point; the coraraand of which, for the present, is given to Maj.-General Knox. OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 241 The 10th Reg't and Reg't of Invalids are to re move to the Point, the Guards of the latter are to remain tifi refieved from the Garrison. When the Army marches, the Reg't then next for fatigue is to remove to West Point, to be refieved weekly, and, as the object of k is to aid the Garrison in the execution of the very necessary and important works which are carrying on at that place, the Com mander-in-Chief raost earnestly exhorts the Com manding and other Officers of it, and those which follow fia succession, to use their best endeavors to facilitate them, as the season is advancing fast when the work must cease. As the Troops at and in the vicinity of West Point, are to move by water, the General desires that as few horses as possible may be brought to the Army, because it will be very difficult, as well as ex pensive, to provide for them, and the few which must of necessity be there, wifi be injured in proportion as the number is increased. This restriction applies also to wagons, of wfiich there can be occasion for but very few, as the Camp wfil be near the water. [ 175. ] Head Quarters, Newburg, Aug. 26, 1782. The Inspector of the Army, having reported that the shoes defivered the Troops are of very bad 31 242 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS quality, the Clothier-General thinks himself aggrieved thereby, and has solicited that an inspection of the shoes now in store may take place. The Command ing Officers of Regiments and Corps, will, therefore, assemble at the Colonade tomorrow at 10 o'clock, and appoint three persons for that purpose ; and the gentlemen appointed will attend to that business im mediately. — They may call in to tfieir assistance any shoemakers, or other persons acquainted with leather, and not interested in the contracts, and the Clothier may do the same. Their report of the Inspection to be made to Head Ouarters, before the Army moves. [ 176. ] Head Quarters, Newburg, Aug. 27, 1782. The Brigade and Regimental Ouarter-Masters, (ex cept those for Garrison duty,) with the Camp color- men, are to meet the Ouarter-Master-General at Ver plank's Point, to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock, with such tools as he shafi direct ; an Engineer wifi attend to measure the ground, and raake a sketch of the Camp. The Ouarter-Master-General wifi be fur nished with the order of encampment Each Brigade is to have a separate landing within the Point, in the order of their encamping, to which boats at afi times in the tide can have free access. With these landings they are to open good communications, OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 243 for the purpose of removing their baggage, and for embarking and debarking the troops with facility. The Brigade Ouarter-Masters will make a propor tionate distribution of the boats which they have re ceived, to the Regimental Ouarter-Masters ; and these again to their respective Companies, that every thing may be properly arranged previous to the order of embarkation. The Brigadier will assign four good oars-men to each boat, and an Officer, who has some skill in the management to take charge of them, till further orders ; they wifi see that scoops are provided, for freeing the boats of water, in case they prove leaky. The boats designed for the Jersey and York Bri gades may be lent to other Corps, which require them most, but must be delivered up when the Army gets to its ground. The amraunition in the hands of the Brigades is to be critically exarained and completed, the bad, and indifferent, to be exchanged ; each soldier is to have a good flint in his musquet, and another in his car- touch box. This order extends equally to the Light Infantry. The Regimental sick, (unable to march, and whom it would be improper to take into the field,) are to be reported to the Director- General, who will order thera to proper Hospitals. Before the Troops remove to their new position, k wifi be proper for the men's baggage and effects to be thoroughly inspected, and the articles pointed out which they are to carry with thera. They raay take all their regiraentals into the field ; but, when they 244 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS are completed with hunting shirts, it is expected the uniform coats wifi not be worn, so long as the warm season continues, except on particular occasions, such as Guards formed on the Grand Parade, Inspec tions, Reviews, &c. To keep the clothing in the best possible order, has become an object of so much attention, that the General thinks it almost superflu ous to repeat his recommendation in that respect, es pecially as it is now considered that, not only the comfort and convenience, but even the reputation of a Corps, depend essentially upon keeping every arti cle belonging to the soldier in the most perfect statis, both for service and appearance. The Ouarter-Master-General, the Engineer, and the persons having the superintendence of the public armory at West Point, are cafied on to make imme diate returns of the raen drawn frora the Infantry Regiments, to serve as artificers, lime-burners, col liers, blowers, &c., in their several Departments, spe cifying their names, the Regiments they belong to, how long they have been under their direction, when and how eraployed. Congress having, by an Act of the 23rd of July last, made a new arrangement of that branch of the Medical Department in which Doctor was em ployed, and that gentleman being, by such arrange ment, no longer in public service, is not subject to trial by Court Martial ; afi further proceedings against him are, therefore, to cease, and the Court are irarae- diately to proceed to the trial of the Officers in ar rest. OF GENER.AL WASHINGTON. 215 All prisoners in provost, whose crimes, in the opinion of the Judge Advocate, are cognizable before a Regimental Court Martial, are to be ordered to their respective Regiraents for trial. The Adj't-General having agreed to spare Capt John Carlile of Hazen's Regiment, one of his Assis tants, to do the duty of Brigade Major to the Corps of Light Infantry, he will immediately enter on that service, and is to be obeyed and respected accord ingly. The Commanding Officers of Light Infantry Com panies, while they are detached, are directed to make regular weekly returns on Thursday, of the state of their Corapanies, to the Coraraanding Officer of the Regiraent they are draughted from. [177.] Head Quarters, Newburg, Aug't 28, 1782. At a General Court Martial, whereof Major-Gene ral Howe is President, held at West Point, by order of the Comraander-in-Chief Major-General Mc Dougall was tried on the following charges, viz : — 1st. For ordering the distribution of a quantity of boards, (said to be about thirteen hundred, which were brought to West Point the 6th day of Dec'r last, in a sloop, coraraanded by Capt Van Alstine. designed for the use of the Department,) to the Troops at West Point only ; when thek arrival ought 246 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS to have been reported to the Commanding General,* or Dep'y O'r-Master of the Department; that an equal distribution raight have been ordered ; and other Troops, who equally needed tfiem, some of whom were suffering with the smafi pox, might have received relief 2dly. For not reporting to the Commanding General the escape of upwards of thirty prisoners, from the Provost at West Point, on the night of the 4th instant ; that orders might have been sent to the out-posts, to take measures to intercept them in their way to the enemy ; and it being an occurrence which ought to have been reported. Sdly. For drawing orders on the clothing store at Newburg, particularly on October 2d, 5th, 8th, 11th, 18th, 19th, 27th, 28th, 29th, and Nov'r 7th, 10th, 12th, and 18th, and one for a servant of Ens'n Davis without date ; which is the prerogative of the Coraraanding General only, and which he signified to Gen'l McDougall, in a letter of the 26th of Sept last ; such, his orders, besides invading the right of the Commanding General, have involved some of the Pay-Masters in embarrassments in their ac counts, particularly the Pay-Master of the 3d Mass'ts Reg't 4thly. For writing a letter to the Commanding General on the 16th day of Dec'r last, injurious to command, and unbecoming an Officer, ? General Heath, OF GENERAL WASHINGTON, 247 The Letter is as fofiows : West Point, Dec. 16, 1781. 7 P. M. Sir, To be prepared for every contingency which might happen on the river to interrupt our transportation. Col, Putnam was out for several days to reconnoitre the country on both sides of the river, for the most practicable routes to open roads to bring in our pro visions and forage ; he had not completed it. when he was ordered on Court Martial, although he was, for that important object, kept off duty in Garrison ; the distress we now suffer, is owing to his not being able to complete his observations, there being a supply of flour above the mountains, but neither the roads nor river was practicable. — This is one of the disorderly effects of detailing the Officers of this Garrison, with the Army ; nor is this the only instance of disorders from that practice: an officer who was on main guard for a week, was detafied for other duty. — I shafi not enter into any further discussion on this sub ject, tifi the Comraander-in-Chief comes on, when I shafi apply to him to have this, and several other un military practices, determined in a more solemn man ner, than can now be obtained, for, Sir, give me leave to tell you, I know ray own rights, and those of the Garrison, not in speculation, but in as long, and as at tentive services as my superiors. — In the mean time, Sir, that the service may not be injured, and that the distressing and pressing cafis of humanity may be 248 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS refieved, I beg Col. Putnam may be refieved and suf fered to go on that service, I have the honor to be. Sir, your most obed't and raost hurable Servant, Alex'r McDougall. Mafr-Gen. Heath. 5thly. For directing Col. Crane, Coraraandant of Artfilery in this Departraent, to deliver arras and ac coutrements, on the 16th inst. contrary to the General Order of the 4th instant, and threatening to send him to the Provost in case of refusal. 6thly. For conversing before the Field Officers of the several Corps, stationed in the Garrison of West Point, who were convened at his request, on the 16th of January last, and in a manner unbecoming an officer ; for bringing into question Gen. Heath's right to coramand the Garrison of West Point; represent ing his orders as unmilitary ; saying that an officer was not bound or obliged to obey orders, if fie thought them improper, or unraifitary ; telling Col. Crane that he had ifi advisers, he believed; that he befieved Gen. Heath had advised him; desiring Col. Crane to take the advice of the Officers present, who, he said, were his countrymen ; and many other things in the course of said conversation, tending to excite sedi tion, create divisions, subvert good order and disci pline, and wound the service. 7thly. For conversing before Officers of differ ent ranks, particularly on the evening of the 7th of OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 249 January last, in a manner unbecoming an Officer, say ing that Gen. Heath's orders were subversive of afi good order and discipline, and injurious from the sentinel to the eldest Maj'r-General in service ; that he sent private commands to Col. Crane without in forming him, (Gen. McDougall,) for the removing of a considerable quantity of ammunition from the Ma gazine, and that if such practice prevailed in the Army, it would be in the power of an Arnold at any time to disraantie and sell the Garrison ; and publicly relating sorae raatters that passed at a Council of War, at Mrs. McGowin's in 1776, respecting the re treat from New York ; and saying that none were op posed to it, but a fool, a knave, and an obstinate honest man; that Gen. Heath was the knave; and many other things, in the course of the said conver sation ; — such conversation tending to lessen confi dence in the Commanding Officer, to limit command, bring orders into contempt, and destroy that due sub ordination which is the life of discipfine, and the only barrier against confusion and disorder. Lastly. For ordering two public buildings near Fishkill landing, to be pufied down, in the months of Nov'r and Dec'r last, (viz.) a bake-house, and one other bufiding, which Mr. George Fisher was ordered to pufi down on the 10th of Dec'r last, and the ma terials to be removed to West Point; making additions and erecting buildings at West Point, without the knowledge or consent of the Commanding General, particularly the addition to the house in which Gen eral McDougall quarters, and the bufiding for the 32 250 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS Provost Guard ; when Gen. McDougall's command at the Post was of a temporary nature only, and such measures not warranted either by his instructions or military principles. The Court, on mature consideration of the charges against Major-General McDougall, the evidence in the case, and the observations, both by Gen'l Mc Dougafi and the Judge Advocate, are of opinion : — On the 1st charge, that Maj'r-Gen'l McDougafi did order a distribution of the boards mentioned in the charge, to the Troops at West Point only, and that he is justifiable in so doing, because, tho' the boards, in the first instance, might have been designed for the Army at large, yet, as the manner in which they were applied for to the Ouarter-Master, was agreeable to the custom of Comraandants of West Point, and spe cified the particular purpose for which the boards were intended ; that they were sent to the Post on such application, and receipted for by the Officer who received them, to be defivered at West Point ; he was warranted in such distribution, without a re port being made to the Coraraanding General, or Dep'y O'r-Master of the Departraent On the 2d charge, it appears to the Court, that General McDougafi was justifiable in not reporting the escape of the prisoners to Gen'l Heath, because the Provost Marshal of the Array was at the Post by order of Gen'l Heath, whose duty it was to raake such report. On the 3d charge, it appears to the Court, that Gen'l McDougafi did draw orders on the Clothing OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 251 Store on Oct'r 8th, 18th, 19th, 28th, Nov'r 7th and 10th, and an order for clothing for Ensign Davis' servant; and that he is justifiable in so doing, because it has been customary and was requiske to service, for Offi cers of different grades to draw clothing from the Clothing Store for necessitous soldiers, detached issues have been accordingly constantly made, and there has appeared to the Court no orders to the contrary. It does not appeai: that Gen'l McDougall drew the other orders mentioned in the charge. On the 4th charge, the Court are of opinion, that Gen'l McDougall is justifiable. On the 5th charge, k appears, that Gen'l McDou gafi did order Col. Crane to defiver arms and accou trements, on the 16th of January last, and threatened, on his refusal, to send him to the Provost, or to con fine him to his room ; but, as Col. Crane was a mem ber of the Garrison, and being senior officer of Artil lery at that time, had the keys of the Military Stores, for the defence of the Garrison, and under the or ders of Gen'l McDougall, Command't thereof the Court are of opinion, that Gen'l McDougafi was jus tifiable for giving the orders, and for threatening to confine him for a disobedience of thera ; notwith standing the orders of Gen'l Heath of the 4th of Jan'y last, relative to the Grand Magazine. ' On the 6th charge. The erabarrassraents Gen'l McDougall labored under by the order of Maj.-Gen'l Heath of the 4th Jan'y last, and other orders raen- tioned in the evidence; his official rights as Com raandant of the Garrison, being thereby invaded ; the 252 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS magazines shut against his orders, which disenabled him from drawing forth the necessary means for its defence, in case of any emergency ; the Garrison Offi cer, through whom arras, amraunition, &c., were at tainable, refusing obedience to his legal orders, and directing no returns to be raade to Maj.-Gen'l Mc Dougafi of the state of the raagazine, where stores were deposited for its defence, — are, in the opinion of the Court, sufficient to justify Maj.-Gen'l McDougall, in conversing with the Field Officers of the several Corps stationed in the Garrison, on the 16th of Jan'y last, and for the whole of his conversation with them at that tirae. That part of the charge bringing in question Major-Gen'l Heath's right to command the Garrison at West Point, saying that an Officer was not bound, or obliged to obey orders, if he thought them improper or unmilitary, is not sup ported. On the 7th charge : The Court find that Gen'l McDougall did converse before Officers of different grades, accidentally met at his quarters, on the 7th of Jan'y last, and did say that Gen'l Heath's orders were subversive of afi good order and discipline, and inju rious from the sentinel to the eldest Major-General in service — that he sent private coraraands to Col. Crane, without informing him. General McDougall, for the removal of a considerable quantity of ammu nition from the raagazine — and that, if such a practice prevailed in the Array, k would be in the power of an Arnold, at any time, to disraantie and sell the Garrison; and publicly related sorae raatters that OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 253 passed at a Council of War, at Mrs. McGowin's in 1776, respecting the retreat from New York, and said that none were opposed to it, but a fool, a knave, and an obstinate honest man, and that Gen'l Heath was the knave ; and are of opinion, that the time, the place, the manner of expressing what is set forth in the charge, and the persons before whom he did ex press it, renders such a conversation unjustifiable, and in breach of article 5th, section 18th, of the Rules and Articles of War. On the last charge, it appears to the Court that the bake-house was pufied down, on an application from Maj.-Gen. McDougall to Col. Hughes, the Dep'y O'r-Master, by his direction ; that the other bufiding was ordered by Gen. McDougall, on the 18th of Dec'r last, to be pufied down, but was not pufied down on tfiat order, but by order of Col. Pickering, Ouarter-Master-General, and that the raaterials were reraoved to West Point; that Gen. McDougall did erect a bufiding for a Provost Guard, and made additions to the house in which he quar tered, but k appears to the Court, from a letter in troduced in the case, that Gen. Heath knew and ap proved of the bufiding the Provost Guard-house, therefore that Gen. McDougall's erecting the same was not, as is said in the charge, "without the knowledge or consent of the Coraraanding General." The Court are of opinion, that from constant usage of Comrad'ts of West Point, never yet interdicted, Gen. McDougall is justifiable in raaking additions to the house in which he quarters. 33 254 REVOLUTIONARY ORDERS The Court, agreeable to their opinion on the sev eral charges, do fully acquit Major-Gen'l McDougafi on the 1st, 2d, 5th, and 6th charges; on the 4th, they acquit him ; on the 3d and last charges, they fully acquit hira, and think the charges vexatious ; on the 7th, they sentence him to be reprimanded by the Comraander-in-Chief in General Orders. By the United States in Congress assembled, Aug't 15, 1782. The proceedings and sentence of a General Court Martial on the trial of Maj'r-Gen'l McDougall, having been read. Resolved, That Congress approves the sentence of said Court. It is with extreme reluctance the Coramander-in- Chief finds himself under the necessity of carrying the sentence of the Court, upon the 7th charge, into execution ; more especially, as it concerns an Officer of such high rank, and generally acknowledged merit. — The ifi consequences arising from a too free censure of the conduct of Officers of superior, by those of inferior, rank, are too obvious to need enu merating. — The Comraander-in-Chief cannot, how ever, help reraarking particularly, upon the impro priety of one meraber of a Councfi of War di vulging the opinion of another, (except in cases of crirainafity, which could not fafi to be iramediately noticed,) and undertaking to reflect publicly upon him for it Such a liberty, if allowed, would very often tend to prevent an Officer of coolness and de- OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 255 liberation, frora giving his opinion in favor of cau tious measures, lest the Army, and the world at large, should attribute his reasons to other than the real motive. Major-General McDougafi is released frora his arrest. The Gen'l Court Martial, of which Major-Gen'l Howe is President is dissolved. [ 178. J Head Quarters, Newburg, Aug. 29, 1782. The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to pass the following Resolve : By the United States in Congress assembled, August 14, 1782. Resolved, That the resolution of the 5th day of October, 1780, directing a Court of Inquiry on the conduct of Maj.-Gen'l Gates, be repealed, and that he take coraraand in the main Army, as the Com raander-in-Chief shafi direct [Here ends the MSS. from which the foregoing selection has been made.] 989Z. 8LZ.00 as