By Nathan Goold, 1898 Web version 1999 by R. Hagen The Thurston
Print, Portland, Maine, 1898 There is history in all men's
lives. As early as September, 1775, Gen. Washington was much
concerned at the prospect of the terms of service of the men,
then in the army, expiring in December, with no provision made
to fill their places with new regiments; and September 20, he
addressed a letter to Congress, calling attention to this
matter, and to the condition of the finances of the colonies.
October 18, authority was given to raise twenty-six regiments of
about eight hundred men, for one year, and October 28, after the
men then in the service had received their pay, an order was
issued recommending the soldiers, especially those who were to
continue another year, to purchase with their money only shirts,
shoes, stockings, and a good pair of leather breeches, as it
"was intended the new army should be uniformed." Congress was to
purchase cloth, in the best market, hire tailors to make uniform
coats and waistcoats, w