On This Day: Washington's unpaid soldiers grow ‘near mutinous’
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
- Soldiers are increasingly uneasy and near mutinous due to months of overdue pay.
- Washington asks whether money should be sent from New York or handled by an appointee in Boston for soldier pay.
- He inquires about appointing skilled engineers for the army, noting General Schuyler's repeated requests.
- Washington seeks clarification on whether Indian troops can be used beyond Canada as per a resolve.
- He questions who is responsible for establishing express routes between Continental posts, highlighting the need for better communication.
- There is confusion regarding the pay for New York troops and militia, with uncertainty about whether they should receive the same pay as others.
- Washington dismisses a reported victory by General Arnold as unreliable.
- He requests information on allowances to encourage reenlistment and asks for tents and cloth for the militia.