From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library

Farm House to the White House, by William M. Thayer 144
regiment there is scarce a whole pair of breeches."
Nevertheless, the material for an army in such a crisis was good. The famous General Nathaniel Greene of
Rhode Island organized three regiments in that province after the Concord fight, and he was there with his
men, "the best disciplined and appointed troops in the army." Connecticut also raised a respectable force, and
put them under the command of General Israel Putnam, who left his plough in the furrow, and galloped off to
Boston; and they were there. The brave Colonel Stark of New Hampshire, with his "Green Mountain boys,"
was there also. Other officers of ability were doing all they could with an undisciplined army, while the rank
and file were eager to drive the foe out of Boston. A leader like Washington was needed to organize and
manipulate this rough mass of material. A chief like him, too, was indispensable to elevate their moral
condition; for drunkenness, revelry, lewdness, profanity, gambling, not to mention other evils, abounded.
The following was Washington's first order to the army:
"The Continental Congress having now taken all the troops of the several Colonies which have been raised, or
which may be hereafter raised, for the support and defence of the liberties of America, into their pay and
service, they are now the troops of the United Provinces of North America; and it is hoped that all distinctions
of Colonies will be laid aside, so that one and the same spirit may animate the whole, and the only contest be,
who shall render, on this great and trying occasion, the most essential service to the great and common cause
in which we are all engaged. It is required and expected that exact discipline be observed, and due
subordination prevail, through the whole army, as a failure in these most essential points must necessarily
produce extreme hazard, disorder, and confusion, and end in shameful disappointment and disgrace. The
general most earnestly requires and expects a due observance of those articles of war established for the
government of the army, which forbid profane cursing, swearing, and drunkenness. And in like manner he
requires and expects of all officers and soldiers, not engaged on actual duty, a punctual attendance on divine
service, to implore the blessing of Heaven upon the means used for our safety and defence."
Rev. William Emerson was a chaplain in the army, and he wrote as follows of the wonderful change
Washington wrought in a short time:
"There is great overturning in the camp as to order and regularity. New lords, new laws. The Generals
Washington and Lee are upon the lines every day. New orders from his Excellency are read to the respective
regiments every morning after prayers. The strictest government is taking place, and great distinction is made
between officers and soldiers.
"Every one is made to know his place and keep in it, or be tied up and receive thirty or forty lashes, according
to his crime. Thousands are at work every day from four to eleven o'clock in the morning. It is surprising how
much work has been done. The lines are extended almost from Cambridge to Mystic River, so that very soon
it will be morally impossible for the enemy to get between the works, except in one place, which is supposed
to be left purposely unfortified to entice the enemy out of their fortresses."
"The British army in Boston understand their business," remarked Washington to his secretary, Mr. Reed.
"Their works are thoroughly constructed, and they seem to be provided with every thing that war requires." At
that time he had reconnoitered until he had acquired quite a thorough knowledge of their defences.
"King George would not be likely to send over others," answered Reed. "He is too anxious to awe his
rebellious subjects into submission to pursue another course."
"Well, they are in close quarters now," continued Washington, "although, if they understood our weakness,
they might fight their way out, and annihilate the American army. I have just discovered that all the powder in
the camp will not furnish the soldiers nine cartridges apiece."