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Story
March 16, 1853
Weekly North Carolina Standard
Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina
What is this article about?
Extract from General Washington's General Order Book dated July 29, 1779, condemning the widespread swearing among soldiers during the Revolutionary War and instructing officers to reprimand and punish to uphold religion, decency, and order.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
St. Augustine Ancient City.
A true extract from the original “General Order Book” of Gen. Washington, under date of 29th July, 1779:
“Many and pointed orders have been issued against that unmeaning and abominable custom of swearing—notwithstanding which, with much regret, the General observes that it prevails, if possible, more than ever. His feelings are continually wounded by the oaths and imprecations of the soldiers whenever he is in the hearing of them. The name of that Being, from whose bountiful goodness we are permitted to exist and enjoy the comforts of life, is incessantly imprecated and profaned in a manner as wanton as it is shocking. For the sake of therefore of religion, decency and order, the General hopes and trusts that officers of every rank will use their influence and authority to check a vice which is as unprofitable as it is wicked and shameful.
“If officers would make it an invariable rule to reprimand, and if that does not do, punish soldiers for offences of this kind, it could not fail of having the desired effect.”
A true extract from the original “General Order Book” of Gen. Washington, under date of 29th July, 1779:
“Many and pointed orders have been issued against that unmeaning and abominable custom of swearing—notwithstanding which, with much regret, the General observes that it prevails, if possible, more than ever. His feelings are continually wounded by the oaths and imprecations of the soldiers whenever he is in the hearing of them. The name of that Being, from whose bountiful goodness we are permitted to exist and enjoy the comforts of life, is incessantly imprecated and profaned in a manner as wanton as it is shocking. For the sake of therefore of religion, decency and order, the General hopes and trusts that officers of every rank will use their influence and authority to check a vice which is as unprofitable as it is wicked and shameful.
“If officers would make it an invariable rule to reprimand, and if that does not do, punish soldiers for offences of this kind, it could not fail of having the desired effect.”
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Military Action
What themes does it cover?
Moral Virtue
Providence Divine
What keywords are associated?
George Washington
Military Discipline
Swearing
American Revolution
General Orders
What entities or persons were involved?
Gen. Washington
Soldiers
Officers
Story Details
Key Persons
Gen. Washington
Soldiers
Officers
Event Date
1779 07 29
Story Details
General Washington issues an order expressing regret over the persistent swearing among soldiers, which profanes the name of God, and urges officers to reprimand and punish to enforce discipline for religion, decency, and order.