politics
March 25, 2026
On This Day: George Washington ailed by expiring enlistments, soldiers to flee
The following is an installment of “On This Day,” a series celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by following the actions of Gen. George Washington, the Continental Congress, and the men and women whose bravery and sacrifice led up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
TL;DR
- Gen. George Washington orders strict adherence to Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene's directives in Boston to control smallpox.
- Surgeons are instructed to isolate any soldiers showing symptoms of smallpox.
- Washington is worried about soldiers' enlistments expiring soon, fearing they will leave like 'a torrent'.
- He warns of the enemy's potential to exploit this vulnerability.
- Timothy Pickering Jr. writes to Washington requesting the return of four twelve-pounder cannons to Salem for coastal defense.
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