Southern Christian Advocate

From the New York Observer

WASHINGTON'S VIEWS OF PROFANE
SWEARING.

In an interesting volume just published by the
Harpers of this city, entitled "The Religious
Opinions and Character of Washington," by the
Rev. E. McGuire, of Fredericksburg, Va.,
may be found the following extracts from
Washington's orders to the army, showing his
views of the fashionable military vices.

In June, 1757, whilst at Fort Cumberland, the
following orders were issued by the commander:

"Col. Washington has observed that the men
of his regiment are very profane and reprobate.
He takes this opportunity to inform them of his
great displeasure at such practices, and assures
them that if they do not leave them off they shall
be severely punished. The officers are desired,
if they hear any man swear, or make use of an
oath or execration, to order the offender twenty-
five lashes immediately, without a court-martial.
For the second offence he will be more
severely punished."

The day after Gen. Washington took command
of the American army, under the authority
of Congress, he issued orders to the troops,
of which the following is an extract:

"The General most earnestly requires and
expects a due observance of those articles of
war, established for the government of the army,
which forbid profane cursing, swearing, and
drunkenness." And in like manner he requires
and expects of all officers and soldiers, not engaged
on actual duty, a punctual attendance on
divine service." &c.

On the 26th of February, 1776, the following
orders were issued:

"All officers, non-commissioned officers, and
soldiers, are positively forbid playing at cards or
other games of chance. At this time of public
distress, men may find enough to do in the service
of their God and country, without abandoning
themselves to vice and immorality."

In the orderly book, under date August 30,
1776, we find the following:

"The General is sorry to be informed that the
foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing
and swearing, a vice heretofore little known in an
American army, is growing into fashion; he
hopes the officers will, by example as well as
influence, endeavor to check it; and that both
they and the men will reflect that we can have
little hope of the blessing of Heaven on our
arms, if we insult it by our impiety and folly;
added to this, it is a vice so mean and low, without
any temptation, that every man of sense and
character detests and despises it."

In a circular to the brigadier-generals, dated
26th of May, 1777, are the following instructions:

"Let vice and immorality of every kind be
discouraged as much as possible in your brigade;
and, as a chaplain is allowed to each regiment, see
that the men regularly attend divine
worship. Gaming of every kind is expressly
forbidden, as being the foundation of evil, and the
cause of many a brave and gallant officer's ruin.
Games of exercise for amusement may not only
be permitted, but encouraged."