The Freeman's Journal, Or, New Hampshire Gazette

PHILADELPHIA, September 10.

A Gentleman has favoured us with the General Orders of our great and illustrious Commander, the Prop and Glory of this Western World, issued to his Army on Friday last, which we publish, on Account of the virtuous and noble Sentiments they contain.

GENERAL ORDERS.

Wilmington, September 5, 1777.

From every information of the enemy's design, and from their movements, it is manifest that their aim is, if possible, to possess themselves of Philadelphia. This is, with them, a capital object, tis what they last year strove to effect, but were happily disappointed. -- They made a second attempt at the opening of this campaign; but, after vast preparation and expence for that purpose, they abandoned their design, and totally evacuated the Jersey. They are now making their last efforts. It seems they hurt intended to come up the Delaware, but, from the measures taken against them in the river, judged the enterprise that way too hazardous. At length they have landed on the eastern shore in Maryland, and advanced some little way into the country; but their General thinks they will be again disappointed in their views, should they push their designs against Philadelphia on this route, Their all is at Stake -- They will put the contest on the event of a single battle: If they are overthrown they are utterly undone, the war is at an end. Now then is the time for our strenuous exertions; one bold stroke will free the land from rapine, devastation and burnings, and female innocence from brutal lust and violence. In every other quarter the American arms have been of late rapidly successful great numbers of the enemy have fallen in battle, and still greater numbers have been taken prisoners: The Militia to the Northward have fought with a resolution that would have done honor to the oldest soldiers -- they bravely fought and conquered, and glory attends them. Who can forbear to emulate their noble spirits? Who is there without ambition to share with them the applause of their countrymen, and of all posterity, as the defenders of liberty, and preservers of peace and happiness to millions in the present and future generations?

Two years we have maintained the war, and struggled with difficulties innumerable; but the prospect has once brightened, and our affairs put on a better face. Now is the time to reap the fruits of all our toils and dangers; if we behave like men, this third campaign will be our last. Ours is the main army; to Us our countrymen look for protection; the eyes of all America and Europe are turned upon us as on those by whom the event of the war is determined; and the General assures his brave soldiers, that he believes the critical the important time is at hand, which demands their most spirited exertions in the field.

Here glory waits to crown the brave -- Peace Freedom and Happiness will be the rewards of Victory -- Animated by motives like these, Soldiers fighting in the cause of Innocence, Humanity and Justice, will never give way; but with undaunted resolution push on to conquer. -- And this the General assures himself is the part the American Forces, now in arms, will act; and thus acting, he will ensure them success.