New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-04-28
THE GENERAL.
ORDERS ISSUED BY HIS ExCELLENCY.n

ORDERS ISSUED BY HIS EXCELLENCY"
ihh SoD-FEARING SoLDIER-HIS THOUGHTFUL.
NESS OF HIS MEN
What Librarian Spofford regards AS one Of the
most precious treasures in the great Library of
Congress is modest manuscript volume yellow
with age, upon the first page of which is written
Orders issued by His Excelency,
General Washington,
Ammo Domini
l77s.7
IT is not an autograph, but is literal transcript
Of the original made. the last page shows, by
captain Dexter a. G."
Said Mr.. SpofIord TO a friend recently: ut IS
book which every man, especially every Amer
ican, read with profit, and the study of which
will Increase his admiration for WASHINGTON
The volume covers IA Priod which antcdates by
eleven years the beginning of the Government
under the Constitution, the Centennial OF which
is to be celebrated next week 1t was the crucial
period of the Revolution, and if Washington had
been less strong, less able, patient and devoted
then, il NAV well be doubted whether his tr-
umphal journey from Mount Vernon 20 New-Yorlz
eleven years later would ever have been per-
formed
The daily entries from January / to June ] 8
dated at Valley Forge, and they exhibit in %
strong light some Of the characteristics Of Wash
ingtOn which it VIII be profitable 10 recall at this
time
February had been month of great and unus-
ual deprivation and suffering for the little army
nj Valley Forge, and on Sunday March /, Wash
ington published in general orders this appeal to
the patriotism and constancv of his soldiers which
is worth reading again now
The Communicating Chief takes occasion TO re-
turn his earnest thanks TO the viruous Officers
and SOldierv of this Army for that perscv cring
fidelity and Zeal which they have uniformly mani
festcd III all their conduct; their fortitude not
only under the common hardsliips incident 10 u
military life but also under the additional suffer
ings 10 which the peculiar situations of these
States have exposed them, clearly proves them
worthy of the enviable privilege OF contendng for
the nights OF human nature, the Freedom and In
dependence OF their country. The recent Instance
of accomplishing Patience during the Scarcity Of
provisions in Camp is a fresh proof that thy
possess in IN eminent degree the Spirit of Soldiers
and the ma gnrDimltY of Patriots. The few re-
fractOry individuals who disgrace themselves by
murnurs II is To be hoped. have repentcd such
unmanly behaviour, and resolved 10 emulate the
noble examples of their associates upon every trial
which the customary casualties Of war may here
after throw in their way. Occasional distress for
want Of provisions and other nec"ssaries is a
spectacle that frequently occurs in every axnv,
and perhaps there never one which has been
in general 50 plentlfully supplied in respect 10 the
former ours. Surely we, who are free Cltlz' us
in Arms, engaged in Struggle for everything
valuable in Society, and partaking in the glorious
task of laying the foundations Of an Empire,
should scorm eilcminately TO shrink under those
accidents and rgOurs Of which mcrcenary
hir lines, fighting in the Cause OF lawlcss amb-
ton riVine and devastation, encounter with
chccrfulnesS and alacrity. should not be merely
equal. should be superior 10 them IN Every
qualification that digniies the or the Soldier
i'm proportion as the motive from which we act and
the final hopes Of toll Superior 10 thrl IS.
Thank Heaven country abOundS with prl-
visions, and with j.rudcnt nan29cm' ~ we need
not apprchcnd want for any length q time. Defects
in the Commiss;,ri"s' Department, CONTINGENCIES
of weather ard other temporary impelmcnts have
subjected and may again subject MS &c Il deficiency
for a few days: but, Soldiers American Soldiers! :
will dcSpisc the murmurS Of replning AT such
trhng Strokes of Adversely. tritiing indeed when
comIrrni ~ the tranScerdcn: PIr/c which will I'M
douh1ndlv crown their Patience and Perseverance
Glory and Freedom Peace and PIanty to them
Sclv-, and the comm lnlty: lie ADMIRATION OF TIE
Worl1 The Love q their Country am the Grat-
tude OF Pcst'rty
The General INCREASINGLY employs his thoughts
on the Means of relieving your distresscS, supply
speedy and prosperous issue. Our Parent Coun-
try. be hops, will second his cndeavors by the
most vigorous exertions. and he is convinced the
in the great work of rescIing our Country from
Bondage and misery will continue in the display
of that patriotic zeal which is capabh Of Smooth
Ing every difficulty and NanqushinS every OBJ
stacle.