Since Washington was forced, all too often, to resort to foraging and impressment, it was imperative that he control his troops’ conduct towards civilians. To that end, he put practical measures in place to curtail the soldiers’ opportunities for misbehavior. Washington set up posts near mansions along army routes in order to prevent straggling soldiers from peeling off. He ordered guards and patrols around campsites to be enhanced. Commanders limited the numbers of passes from camp and the distance enlisted men could travel even if they did have a pass. Roll calls were ordered two or three
...more
