The following is an installment of “On This Day,” a series celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by following the actions of Gen. George Washington, the Continental Congress, and the men and women whose bravery and sacrifice led up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
March 11, 1776
George Washington prepares for movement.
The army must be ready to march “the Instant occasion shall require,” and he urges officers and men to carry as little baggage as possible.
Washington writes from headquarters in his general orders: “That there may not be the least pretext for delay (as the General is determined to march the whole, or any part of this Army, the Instant occasion shall require) His Excellency desires that not a moments time may be lost in preparing for the march—The Colonels will pay particular attention to the cloathing of their men—To prevent any unnecessary preparations, the General informs the Officers, and Soldiers, that it is his desire and expectation, that they encumber themselves with as little baggage as possible, as apart from the enormous expence to the Continent—Teams cannot be procured for superfluous Articles, it will be well if sufficient can be found to answer all requisite services—The Nature of the service we are engaged in, is such as require light Troops, ready at all times, and upon all occasions, for forced marches, the less baggage therefore, Officers and Men are encumber’d with, the better.”
Washington, recognizing that he will need soldiers of a political build, fortitude, and comportment, to guard him, begins forming what will become known as his Life Guard. In his general orders that day, he calls for each member of his regiment to send four tall, sober, “neat, and spruce” men to headquarters.
ON THIS DAY: THE REDCOATS HAUL ARTILLERY AND BAGGAGE TO MAKE THEIR ESCAPE
He adds, “His Excellency depends upon the Colonels for good Men, such as they can recommend for their sobriety, honesty, and good behaviour; he wishes them to be from five feet, eight Inches high, to five feet, ten Inches; handsomely and well made, and as there is nothing in his eyes more desireable, than Cleanliness in a Soldier, he desires that particular attention may be made, in the choice of such men, as are neat, and spruce.”
Washington will select from these men the soldiers responsible for guarding his person, quarters, papers, and baggage.