Duty, Honor, Country before its time had come. Without these things this Holiday would not be possible. George Washington's General Orders, July 4, 1775. A quick read, some excerpts below. For the soldiers, smallpox, a funeral, don't drink or curse, go to church and be assured of your ration of hay to sleep on. Evidently a soft bed, let alone a home or health insurance wasn't yet seen as one of their civil rights!
It is required and expected that exact discipline be observed, and due Subordination prevail thro' 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 drunkeness; And in like manner requires and expects, of all Officers, and Soldiers, not engaged on actual duty, a punctual attendance on divine Service, to implore the blessings of heaven upon the means used for our safety and defence.
All Officers are required and expected to pay diligent Attention to keep their Men neat and clean; to visit them often at their quarters, and inculcate upon them the necessity of cleanliness, as essential to their health and service. They are particularly to see, that they have Straw to lay on, if to be had, and to make it known if they are destitute of this article. They are also to take care that Necessarys be provided in the Camps and frequently filled up to prevent their being offensive and unhealthy. Proper Notice will be taken of such Officers and Men, as distinguish themselves by their attention to these necessary duties.
The commanding Officer of each Regiment is to take particular care that not more than two Men of a Company be absent on furlough at the same time, unless in very extraordinary cases.
Col. Gardner36 is to be buried to morrow at 3, O'Clock, P.M. with the military Honors due to so brave and gallant an Officer, who fought, bled and died in the Cause of his country and mankind. His own Regiment, except the company at Malden, to attend on this mournful occasion. The places of those Companies in the Lines on Prospect Hill, to be supplied by Col. Glovers regiment till the funeral is over.
[Note 36: Col. Thomas Gardner. He was colonel of the Lexington Alarm and, later, of a Massachusetts regiment. He had been wounded at the Battle of Bunker Hill and died July 3.]
No Person is to be allowed to go to Fresh-water pond37 a fishing or on any other occasion as there may be danger of introducing the small pox into the army.
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