Boston: Washington Takes Command, July-August 1775

10. General Orders Regarding the Dispensation of Plunder

Washington, George. George Washington Papers, Series 3, Varick Transcripts, -1785, Subseries 3G, General Orders, -1783, Letterbook 1: July 3,- Sept. 30, 1776. August 5, 1775, 1775. Manuscript/Mixed Material. Library of Congress.

Washington, George. George Washington Papers, Series 3, Varick Transcripts, -1785, Subseries 3G, General Orders, -1783, Letterbook 1: July 3,- Sept. 30, 1776. August 5, 1775, 1775. Manuscript/Mixed Material. Library of Congress.

Copper English half penny dating from the reign of King George III. Object ID 1999.1362.002. Courtesy of The Fort Ticonderoga Museum Collection.

Copper English half penny dating from the reign of King George III. Object ID 1999.1362.002. Courtesy of The Fort Ticonderoga Museum Collection.

Copper English half penny dating from the reign of King George III. Object ID 1999.1362.002. Courtesy of The Fort Ticonderoga Museum Collection.

Copper English half penny dating from the reign of King George III. Object ID 1999.1362.002. Courtesy of The Fort Ticonderoga Museum Collection.

Washington established a system to dispose of any lawfully gained spoils of war.

"When any plunder is taken from the Enemy (not excepted by the Continental Articles of war) such plunder must be all surrender’d to the Commanding Officer, and as soon as convenient after his arrival at Head Quarters, public Notice must be made, that an Auction will be held in the front of the Encampment for the sale thereof the next day at noon, and the money arising therefrom, is to be equally divided between the Officers and Men, that took it. This Order is not to be construed to extend, to permitting unlawfull and irregular plundering; as any Officer, or Soldier, who shall be found guilty thereof, will be punished with the greatest severity."

George Washington, General Orders, 3 August 1775
Sources
  • founders.archives.gov

  • https://history.army.mil/Publications/Publications-Catalog/The-Canadian-Campaign/