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.

188 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. [1776.
Even this small army was greatly divided, being stationed at many points, from Brooklyn to Kingsbridge,
over a space of more than fifteen miles in extent.
At this critical time there began to be collisions in
the army, threatening serious consequences. Collected
from various parts of the country, and coming together
with local partialities, the officers yielded to a spirit of
jealousy, and even gave vent to disrespectful language,
which produced irritation and discord. The example
was naturally followed by the soldiers. To check at
the outset a symptom so dangerous, the Commander-inchief resorted to persuasion and reprimand. In the
orders of the day he said; "The General most earnestly
entreats the officers and soldiers to consider the consequences; that they can no way assist our enemies more
effectually, than by making divisions among ourselves;
that the honor and success of the army, and the safety
of our bleeding country, depend upon harmony and good
agreement with each other; that the provinces are all
united to oppose the common enemy, and all distinctions
sunk in the name of an American. To make this name
honorable, and to preserve the liberty of our country,
ought to be our only emulation; and he will be the best
soldier and the best patriot, who contributes most to this
glorious work, whatever his station, or from whatever
part of the continent he may come. Let all distinctions
of nations, countries, and provinces, therefore, be lost in
the generous contest, who shall behave with the most
courage against the enemy, and the most kindness and
good humor to each other. If there be any officers or
soldiers so lost to virtue and a love of their country, as
to continue in such practices after this order, the General assures them, and is authorized by Congress to
declare to the whole army, that such persons shall be
severely punished and dismissed from the' service with