September 1st
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“Every hour brings the most distressing complaints of the ravages of our own troops who are become infinitely more formidable to the poor farmers and inhabitants than the common enemy.”
John Hancock, 1775
National Portrait Gallery
To the President of Congress*
Camp Near Kingsbridge, 22 September 1776
Sir,
I had flattered myself that the Congress would before this Time have forwarded the amended Articles for the Government of the Army. But as they have not I think it my indispensable Duty to lay before them the Necessity, the absolute Necessity of forming an Article against plundering, marauding and burning of Houses; such a Spirit has gone forth in our Army that neither publick or private Property is secure. Every Hour brings the most distressing Complaints of the Ravages of our own Troops who are become infinitely more formidable to the poor Farmers and Inhabitants than the common Enemy. Horses are taken out of the Continental Teams. The Baggage of Officers and the Hospital Stores, Even the Quarters of General Officers are not exempt from Rapine.
Some severe and exemplary Punishment to be inflicted in a summary Way must be immediately administered, or the Army will be totally ruined. I must beg the immediate Attention of Congress to this Matter as of the utmost Importance to our Existence as an Army. I am Sir, with due Respect Your most Obed. & very Hbble Servt**
G:o Washington
* John Hancock
** The British Army was guilty of similar behavior toward residents. In a letter to his cousin, Lund dated 29 June 1777, Washington wrote: “but certain it is they [the British Army] have left nothing which they could carry off, Robbing, Plundering, and burning Houses as they went.”
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