The Virginia Gazette

PHILADELPHIA.

We are favoured with the general orders of our great and illustrious commander, the prop and glory of this Western World, issued to his army on Friday the 6th instant, 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; it is 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 expense for that purpose, they abandoned their design, and totally evacuated the Jerseys.

They are now making their last effort. It seems they first 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 the General thinks they will be again disappointed in their views, should they push their design 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 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 honour 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 since 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 to be determined; and the General assures his countrymen and fellow 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, press on to conquest.

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.

HEADQUARTERS,

WILMINGTON, Sept. 6, 1777.

of the importance of the cause he has undertaken to defend, and who has any regard to his own honour, and the reputation of a soldier, will, if called to action, behave like men contending for every thing valuable; but if, contrary to his expectation, there shall be found any officers or soldiers so far lost to all shame as basely to quit their post without orders, or shall skulk from danger, or offer to retreat before orders given for so doing by a proper officer superior in authority, they are instantly to be shot down, as a just punishment to themselves, and for examples to others. This order those in the rear, and the corps of reserve, are to see duly executed, to prevent the cowardly from making a sacrifice of the brave, and from their ill examples and groundless tales (circulated to cover their own shameful conduct) spreading horror as they go. That this order may be well known, and strongly impressed upon the army, the General positively orders the commanding officer of every regiment to assemble his men and have it read to them, to prevent the plea of ignorance.

The General begs the favour of the officers to be attentive to all strange faces and suspicious characters which may be discovered in camp; and if, upon examination of them, no good account can be given why they are there, to carry them to the Major General of the day for further examination. This, as it is only a necessary precaution, is to be done in a manner least offensive.