The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

A3~T. 43.] LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 147
gradually allayed by the prudence of Washington, who
referred the matter to Congress, and proceeded steadily
to mature his plans.
He arranged the army into six brigades, of six regiments each, in such a manner that the troops from the
same colony should be brought together, as far as practicable, and act under a commander from that colony.
Of the whole he made three grand divisions, each consisting of two brigades, or twelve regiments. The
division forming the left wing was stationed at Winter
Hill, and commanded by Major-General Lee; the centre
division was at Cambridge, under Major-General Putnam; and the right wing at Roxbury, under MajorGeneral Ward. The head-quarters of the Commanderin-chief were with the centre at Cambridge.
Thus was planted the original germ of the Continental army, to foster the growth and strength of which
required the utmost care and address. All the officers
were commissioned anew by Congress, although no
changes of rank were attempted, and no appointments
made, except of the major and brigadier generals. By
degrees the system worked itself into a tolerable method; but, after all, it was full of imperfections, which no
art or skill could remedy. The soldiers had been enlisted by their respective governments for a definite time
and object, and they looked upon this contract as one
which they were bound to fulfil, but not such as could
put them under any other power. Each individual
regarded himself as a party concerned, and claimed his
rights as a citizen.
Hence, when the rules and regulations of the Continental,army, which had been prescribed by Congress,
were presented to them, many would not accede, because they did not enlist on such terms, and they were
apprehensive some new obligations might devolve on