From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
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<strong>Farm</strong> <strong>House</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>White</strong> <strong>House</strong>, by William M. Thayer 144<br />
regiment <strong>the</strong>re is scarce a whole pair of breeches."<br />
Never<strong>the</strong>less, <strong>the</strong> material for an army in such a crisis was good. The famous General Nathaniel Greene of<br />
Rhode Island organized three regiments in that province after <strong>the</strong> Concord fight, and he was <strong>the</strong>re with his<br />
men, "<strong>the</strong> best disciplined and appointed troops in <strong>the</strong> army." Connecticut also raised a respectable force, and<br />
put <strong>the</strong>m under <strong>the</strong> command of General Israel Putnam, who left his plough in <strong>the</strong> furrow, and galloped off <strong>to</strong><br />
Bos<strong>to</strong>n; and <strong>the</strong>y were <strong>the</strong>re. The brave Colonel Stark of New Hampshire, with his "Green Mountain boys,"<br />
was <strong>the</strong>re also. O<strong>the</strong>r officers of ability were doing all <strong>the</strong>y could with an undisciplined army, while <strong>the</strong> rank<br />
and file were eager <strong>to</strong> drive <strong>the</strong> foe out of Bos<strong>to</strong>n. A leader like Washing<strong>to</strong>n was needed <strong>to</strong> organize and<br />
manipulate this rough mass of material. A chief like him, <strong>to</strong>o, was indispensable <strong>to</strong> elevate <strong>the</strong>ir moral<br />
condition; for drunkenness, revelry, lewdness, profanity, gambling, not <strong>to</strong> mention o<strong>the</strong>r evils, abounded.<br />
The following was Washing<strong>to</strong>n's first order <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> army:<br />
"The Continental Congress having now taken all <strong>the</strong> troops of <strong>the</strong> several Colonies which have been raised, or<br />
which may be hereafter raised, for <strong>the</strong> support and defence of <strong>the</strong> liberties of America, in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir pay and<br />
service, <strong>the</strong>y are now <strong>the</strong> troops of <strong>the</strong> United Provinces of North America; and it is hoped that all distinctions<br />
of Colonies will be laid aside, so that one and <strong>the</strong> same spirit may animate <strong>the</strong> whole, and <strong>the</strong> only contest be,<br />
who shall render, on this great and trying occasion, <strong>the</strong> most essential service <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> great and common cause<br />
in which we are all engaged. It is required and expected that exact discipline be observed, and due<br />
subordination prevail, through <strong>the</strong> whole army, as a failure in <strong>the</strong>se most essential points must necessarily<br />
produce extreme hazard, disorder, and confusion, and end in shameful disappointment and disgrace. The<br />
general most earnestly requires and expects a due observance of those articles of war established for <strong>the</strong><br />
government of <strong>the</strong> army, which forbid profane cursing, swearing, and drunkenness. And in like manner he<br />
requires and expects of all officers and soldiers, not engaged on actual duty, a punctual attendance on divine<br />
service, <strong>to</strong> implore <strong>the</strong> blessing of Heaven upon <strong>the</strong> means used for our safety and defence."<br />
Rev. William Emerson was a chaplain in <strong>the</strong> army, and he wrote as follows of <strong>the</strong> wonderful change<br />
Washing<strong>to</strong>n wrought in a short time:<br />
"There is great overturning in <strong>the</strong> camp as <strong>to</strong> order and regularity. New lords, new laws. The Generals<br />
Washing<strong>to</strong>n and Lee are upon <strong>the</strong> lines every day. New orders from his Excellency are read <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> respective<br />
regiments every morning after prayers. The strictest government is taking place, and great distinction is made<br />
between officers and soldiers.<br />
"Every one is made <strong>to</strong> know his place and keep in it, or be tied up and receive thirty or forty lashes, according<br />
<strong>to</strong> his crime. Thousands are at work every day from four <strong>to</strong> eleven o'clock in <strong>the</strong> morning. It is surprising how<br />
much work has been done. The lines are extended almost from Cambridge <strong>to</strong> Mystic River, so that very soon<br />
it will be morally impossible for <strong>the</strong> enemy <strong>to</strong> get between <strong>the</strong> works, except in one place, which is supposed<br />
<strong>to</strong> be left purposely unfortified <strong>to</strong> entice <strong>the</strong> enemy out of <strong>the</strong>ir fortresses."<br />
"The British army in Bos<strong>to</strong>n understand <strong>the</strong>ir business," remarked Washing<strong>to</strong>n <strong>to</strong> his secretary, Mr. Reed.<br />
"Their works are thoroughly constructed, and <strong>the</strong>y seem <strong>to</strong> be provided with every thing that war requires." At<br />
that time he had reconnoitered until he had acquired quite a thorough knowledge of <strong>the</strong>ir defences.<br />
"King George would not be likely <strong>to</strong> send over o<strong>the</strong>rs," answered Reed. "He is <strong>to</strong>o anxious <strong>to</strong> awe his<br />
rebellious subjects in<strong>to</strong> submission <strong>to</strong> pursue ano<strong>the</strong>r course."<br />
"Well, <strong>the</strong>y are in close quarters now," continued Washing<strong>to</strong>n, "although, if <strong>the</strong>y unders<strong>to</strong>od our weakness,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y might fight <strong>the</strong>ir way out, and annihilate <strong>the</strong> American army. I have just discovered that all <strong>the</strong> powder in<br />
<strong>the</strong> camp will not furnish <strong>the</strong> soldiers nine cartridges apiece."