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.
April 28, 1776
Gen. George Washington is incensed. Despite his frequent General Orders to the troops calling for them to be mindful of the frivolous use of ammunition, soldiers from a Pennsylvania regiment have been found firing their weapons for sport and wasting ammo.
The soldiers claim ignorance of the orders — something that Washington vehemently rejects outright.
He orders that the Articles of War be read weekly to every company so that no one may “plead Ignorance” ever again.
General Orders
Head Quarters, New-York, April 28th 1776
Parole Manchester
Countersign Ponsonby.
The Commanding Officers of Regiments, and Corps, are to be careful, that the Men are made perfectly well acquainted, with all Orders, that issue for the Government of the Army, and are not to be less diligent, in enforcing Obedience thereto. Yesterday a number of Col. Irvine’s Regiment, were found in different places, firing their Pieces, and wasting their Ammunition, under pretence of not knowing they were acting contrary to orders.
The Articles of war are to be read, at least once a week, to every Company in the Army, that neither Men nor Officers may plead Ignorance against any of the Rules, and Regulations therein contained.
Col. Winds and Col. Dayton’s Regiments, to be mustered on Tuesday Morning at Eight O’Clock, upon the Common, where the Commissary General of Musters will attend. The Muster Rolls of those Regiments to be prepared immediately.
Washington responds to Nicholas Cooke, the governor of Rhode Island, who has pleaded for defensive works along his colony’s coastline. Washington reports that no engineer can be spared from New York because the defenses there are incomplete.
To Nicholas Cooke
New york 28th April 1776
Sir
I received your favor of the 23d instant. the reasons why I did not hitherto represent the State of your Colony to Congress was in expectation of your forwarding unto me, a Sketch of it, in writeing. I Shall take the first Opertunity of doing it, and if my reccommendation thereof has any weight, with that August Body, it will give me much pleasure to render Service to your Colony.
ON THIS DAY: WASHINGTON FEARS A GREAT DEFICIENCY IN WEAPONS
I am very glad that Colonel Knox has taken a view of Newport, and hope the directions he has Left, will be attended with all the good Consequences you mention, we have no Ingineer that Can possibly be Spar’d from hence, indeed we are very defficient in that department, & the State of this place is Such, that had we many more than we have, there woud be full employment for them.
Colonel Babcocks misfortune is truely pitiable, the incontestable proofs which he has given at Cambridge & Since, of a distemperd mind, must to every one acquainted with them, Shew, how unfit he must be to Command the forces of your Colony. I am with very great regard Sir Your Most Obed. H. St
Go: Washington