George Washington as General of the Continental Army

While serving as General of the Continental Army, George Washington issued the following general order the day after he took command on July 4, 1775:

"The General most earnestly requires and expects a due observance of those articles ... which forbid profane cursing, swearing, and drunkenness. And in like manner, he requires and expects of all officers and soldiers not engaged in actual duty, a punctual attendance of Divine services to implore the blessing of heaven upon the means used for our safety and defense."

And later, on July 9, 1776, General Washington issued this general order to troops directing that:

"...every officer and man... to live and act as becomes a Christian Soldier defending the dearest Rights and Liberties of his country..."