George Washington
July 16, 1775

Washington orders his troops to worship and abide by Congress’s declaration of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer

Head Quarters, Cambridge, July 16, 1775.

Parole Carolina. Countersign Springfield.

The Continental Congress having earnestly recommended, that “Thursday next the 20th. Instant, be observed by the Inhabitants of all the english Colonies upon this Continent, as a Day of public Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer; that they may with united Hearts and Voice unfeignedly confess their Sins before God, and supplicate the all wise and merciful disposer of events, to avert the Desolation and Calamities of an unnatural war”. The General orders, that Day to be religiously observed by the Forces under his Command, exactly in manner directed by the proclamation of the Continental Congress: It is therefore strictly enjoin’d on all Officers and Soldiers, (not upon duty) to attend Divine Service, at the accustomed places of worship, as well in the Lines, as the Encampments and Quarters; and it is expected, that all those who go to worship, do take their Arms, Ammunitions and Accoutrements and are prepared for immediate Action if called upon. If in the judgment of the Officers, the Works should appear to be in such forwardness as the utmost security of the Camp requires, they will command their men to abstain from all Labour upon that solemn day.

It was with much surprise and concern that the General in passing along the New Hampshire Lines yesterday observed a most wanton, mischevious, and unprofitable abuse of property, in the Destruction of many valuable Trees, which were standing along the side of the road, out of the way of our works, or guns, he therefore orders, that an effective stop be put to such practices for the future, or severe punishment will fall upon the Transgressors of this order.

William Palfrey, Esq. is appointed Aid-de-Camp to Major General Lee, all Orders whether written, or verbal, coming from General Lee, and delivered by Capt. Palfrey, are to be punctually obeyed.

A particular Return to be deliver’d to the Adjutant General to morrow, at Orderly time, of the Regiment of Artillery, distinguishing how every man and Officer, in that Corps, is at present imployed, and where posted.

Source(s):
Library of Congress

The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.