THE SPIRIT OF '76.

The hour is fast approaching, on which the honor and success of the army, and the safety of our bleeding country, will depend. Remember, Officers and Soldiers, that you are freemen, fighting for the blessings of liberty; that slavery will be your portion and that of your posterity, if you do not acquit yourselves like men.

Remember, how your courage and spirit have been despised and traduced by your cruel invaders; though they have found, by dear experience, at Boston, Charlestown, and other places, what a few brave men, contending in their own land and in the best of causes, can do against hirelings and mercenaries.

Be cool, but determined. Do not fire, at a distance; but wait for orders from your Officers.

It is the General's express orders, that, if any man attempt to skulk, lie down, or retreat without orders, he be instantly shot down, as an example. He hopes, no such will be found in this army; but, on the contrary, that every one, for himself resolving to conquer or die, and trusting in the smiles of Heaven upon so just a cause, will behave with bravery and resolution.

Those who are distinguished for their gallantry

and good conduct, may depend upon being honorably noticed and suitably rewarded; and if this army will but emulate and imitate their brave countrymen in other parts of America, he has no doubt they will, by a glorious victory, save their country, and acquire to themselves immortal honor.

1776.

MILITARY INFLUENCE OF CONGRESS.

If I may be allowed to speak figuratively, our Assemblies, in politics, are to be compared to the wheels of a clock, in mechanics. The whole, for the general purposes of war, should be set in motion by the great wheel, Congress; and, if all will do their parts, the machine will work easily; but a failure in one disorders the whole. Without the large one, which sets the whole in motion, nothing can be done. It is the united wisdom and exertions of the whole in Congress, that we are to depend upon. Without this, we are no better than a rope of sand, and as easily broken asunder.

1782.

2. THE ARMY.

To you, my dear General, the Patriarch and Generalissimo of universal liberty, I shall render exact accounts of the conduct of your Deputy and Aid in that great LAFAYETTE, March 7, 1791.

cause.

It is to warriors alone that it belongs, to designate the place which Washington shall occupy among famous captains. His successes appear to have more of solidity than of eclat, and judgment predominates rather than enthusiasm, in the manner of his command and his warfare. FONTANES, 1800.

Patient, watchful, provoked into no rashness, frightened into no delay, cautious in his approach, bold and desperate in his onset, calm and collected in retreat, he moves at the head of his brave, but ill-furnished and distracted army, like a pillar of fire. J. T. HEADLEY.

THE SOLDIER'S DUTY.

With hope and confidence, the General most earnestly exhorts every Officer and Soldier, to pay the utmost attention to his arms and health; to have the former in the best order for action, and, by cleanliness and care, to preserve the latter; to be exact in discipline, obedient to superiors, and vigilant on duty.

With such preparation, and a suitable spirit, there can be no doubt but, by the blessing of Heaven, we shall repel our cruel invaders, preserve our country, and gain the greatest honor.

The General hopes, that every man's mind and arms will be prepared for action, and, when called to it, show our enemies and the whole world, that free

men, contending on their own land, are superior to any mercenaries on earth.

The General calls upon Officers and men, to act up to the noble cause in which they are engaged, and to support the honor and liberties of their country.

If any Officers leave their posts before they are regularly drawn off and relieved, or shall, directly or indirectly, cause any soldier to do the like, they shall be punished, as far as martial law will extend, without fear or mitigation.

THE ARMY, AGENTS OF CIVIL POWER.

The army are the mere agents of civil power. Out of camp, they have no other authority than other citizens; and their offences against the laws are to be examined, not by a military officer, but by a magistrate. They are not exempt from arrests and indictments for violations of the laws.

MAXIMS FOR OFFICERS.*

Be strict in your discipline. Require nothing unreasonable of your officers and men; but see, that whatever is required be punctually complied with.

* Sent by Washington to Colonel William Woodford, at his request, in the year 1775.

Reward and punish every man according to his merit, without partiality or prejudice. Hear his complaints. If they are well-founded, redress them; if otherwise, discourage them, in order to prevent frivolous ones.

Discourage vice, in every shape.

Impress upon the mind of every man, from the first to the lowest, the importance of the cause, and what it is he is contending for.

Be easy and condescending in your deportment to your officers; but not too familiar, lest you subject yourself to a want of that respect, which is necessary to support a proper command.

PATRIOT SOLDIERS.

Men who are not employed as mere hirelings, but have stepped forth in defence of every thing that is dear and valuable, not only to themselves but to posterity, should take uncommon pains to conduct themselves with the greatest propriety and good order, as their honor and reputation call loudly upon them to do it.

1776.

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