August 8th
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“Whereas it hath ever been an established maxim in the American Service, that the Road to Glory was open to All, that Honorary Rewards and Distinctions were the greatest Stimuli to virtuous Actions, and that distinguished Merit should not pass unnoticed or unrewarded.”
George Washington, 1783
National Portrait Gallery
Head Quarters of the American Army, 1 May 1783
George Washington Esquire General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States of America &c. &c. &c. To All to whom these presents shall come, sendeth Greeting.
Whereas it hath ever been an established maxim in the American Service, that the Road to Glory was open to All, that Honorary Rewards and Distinctions were the greatest Stimuli to virtuous Actions, and that distinguished Merit should not pass unnoticed or unrewarded; and
Whereas a Board of Officers whereof Brigadier General Greaton is President, hath been constituted and appointed for the purpose of investigating the several pretensions of the Candidates for the Badge of Military Merit; and said Board having Reported in the Words following, Viz
That Serjeant Elijah Churchill of the 2d. Regiment of Light Dragoons, in the several Enterprizes against Fort St. George and Fort Slongo on Long Island, in their opinion acted a very conspicuous and singularly meritorious part; that at the Head of each Body of Attack, he not only acquitted himself with great gallantry, firmness and address; but that the Surprize in one instance, and the success of the attack in the other, proceeded in a considerable degree from his Conduct and management;
Now therefore Know Ye, That the aforesaid Serjeant Elijah Churchill, hath fully and truely deserved, and hath been properly invested with the Honorary Badge of Military Merit, and is authourised and intitled to pass and repass all Guards and Military Posts as fully and amply as any Commissioned Officer whatever; And is Hereby further Recommended to that favorable Notice which a Brave and Faithful Soldier deserves from his Countrymen. Given under my hand & Seal at the Head Quarters of the American Army, this first day of May 1783.*
* The Badge of Military Merit was granted to at least three Soldiers during the war: Sergeant Elijah Churchill (2nd Continental), Sergeant William Brown (5th Connecticut), and Sergeant Daniel Bissell (2nd Connecticut) — Fitzpatrick, et al., WGW
First and last sentence credit: George Washington Papers, Library of Congress
GEORGE WASHINGTON:
THE INTERVIEW POWERED BY A.I.
In the hallowed halls of history, a voice echoes once more as “George Washington: The Interview” unfurls a never-before-seen side of America’s first President. This electrifying book transcends the boundaries of time, employing state-of-the-art technology and primary source material to bring you face-to-face with the man who laid the cornerstone of the nation we know today. Journey through the intimate details of Washington’s life as he reveals the victories and defeats, the triumphs and tragedies of his storied past.
Are you ready to step into the past and meet the man behind the myth?