Boston: Washington Takes Command, July-August 1775

6. General Orders Regarding Furloughs

Washington, George. George Washington Papers, Series 3, Varick Transcripts, -1785, Subseries 3G, General Orders, -1783, Letterbook 1: July 3,- Sept. 30, 1776. July 20, 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. July 20, 1775, 1775. Manuscript/Mixed Material. Library of Congress.

Creamware punch bowl. Object ID 2022.2.41. Courtesy of The Fort Ticonderoga Museum Collection.

Creamware punch bowl. Object ID 2022.2.41. Courtesy of The Fort Ticonderoga Museum Collection.

Creamware punch bowl. Object ID 2022.2.41. Courtesy of The Fort Ticonderoga Museum Collection.

Creamware punch bowl. Object ID 2022.2.41. Courtesy of The Fort Ticonderoga Museum Collection.

Creamware punch bowl. Object ID 2022.2.41. Courtesy of The Fort Ticonderoga Museum Collection.

Creamware punch bowl. Object ID 2022.2.41. Courtesy of The Fort Ticonderoga Museum Collection.

Dismayed by the number of soldiers and officers who applied for extended furloughs, Washington instructed his commanders to discourage such requests.

"The General hears with Astonishment, the very frequent Applications, that are made to him, as well by Officers as Soldiers for Furloughs: Brave Men, who are engaged in the noble Cause of Liberty; should never think of removing from their Camp, while the Enemy is in sight, and anxious to take every Advantage, any Indiscretion on our side may give them: The General doubts not, but the Commanding Officers of Corps will anticipate his wishes, and discourage those under them, from disgracefully desiring to go home, untill the Campaign is ended."

George Washington, General Orders, 18 July 1775
Sources
  • founders.archives.gov

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