Читать книгу Revolution An Uncommon Chronicle of the American War for Independence - Kenneth JD Samcoe - Страница 20

This army, which you will hear so much said, and see so much wrote about, is truly nothing but a drunken, canting, lying, praying, hypocritical, rabble without order, subjection, discipline, or cleanliness; and must fall to pieces of itself in the course of three months, notwithstanding every endeavor of their leaders, teachers, and preachers, though the last are the most canting, hypocritical lying scoundrels that this or any other country ever afforded.

From a Letter Written by a Surgeon

On a British Ship in Boston

May 26, 1775

Cambridge, Massachusetts: Oct. 24, 1775. Pennsylvania delegate Dr. Benjamin Franklin, accompanied by Congressmen Thomas Lynch of South Carolina and Benjamin Harrison of Virginia, arrived at rebel headquarters to confer with Commander George Washington late this afternoon.

The meeting was reportedly in response to a letter General Washington dispatched to Congress last month, expressing an urgent need to fill his empty war chest. The rebel commander is faced with providing his troops sufficient supplies to carry them through the winter. Without funds to purchase adequate food, clothing, tents and blankets, the entire rebel army might be forced to disband.

General Washington will undoubtedly remind Congress that in December enlistments will be up for over half his troops. The British would then outnumber the rebels three to one. A British offensive could destroy Washington’s army if no new troops arrive after Christmas.

Sources close to rebel command have stated there is widespread discontent among junior officers over their pay. Most are earning little more than the privates serving under them. Many senior officers believe the chronic lack of discipline among militia can be attributed to Congress’ unwillingness to provide a decent living for their officers. Some senior officers have even grumbled in private about their own compensation.

In related news, rebel troops led by Brigadier General Richard Montgomery advanced from Fort Ticonderoga and laid siege to St. Johns sometime last month. General Montgomery took command from the ailing General Schuyler who is recuperating near Albany. No details were given on the nature or extent of General Schuyler’s illness.