2.2 GENERAL ORDERS Head Quarters, Cambridge, July 16, 1775. The Continental Congress having earnestly recommended, that “Thursday next the 20th. Instant, be observed by the Inhabitants of all the english Colonies upon this Continent, as a Day of public Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer; that they may with united Hearts and Voice unfeignedly confess their Sins before God, and supplicate the all wise and merciful disposer of events, to avert the Desolation and Calamities of an unnatural war.” The General orders, that Day to be religiously observed by the Forces under his Command, exactly in manner directed by the proclamation of the Continental Congress: It is therefore strictly enjoin’d on all Officers and Soldiers, (not upon duty) to attend Divine Service, at the accustomed places of worship, as well in the Lines, as the Encampments and Quarters; and it is expected, that all those who go to worship, do take their Arms, Ammunitions and Accoutrements and are prepared for immediate Action if called upon. If in the judgment of the Officers, the Works should appear to be in such forwardness as the utmost security of the Camp requires, they will command their men to abstain from all Labour upon that solemn day.
2.3 “His Excellency General Washington was with the troops who passed us here to the Perkiomen. The procession lasted the whole night, and we had all kinds of visits from officers wet to the breast, who had to march in that condition the cold, damp night through, and to bear hunger and thirst at the same time. This robs them of courage and health, and instead of prayers we hear from most, the national evil, curses.”—Muhlenberg’s Diary, Sept. 19, 1777.
2.4 And certainly not all prayers that were offered to God, were not always for the best of motives: From WGW: Ford quotes from a letter from Col. John Chester to Col. Samuel B. Webb (January 17): “The inhuman treatment our prisoners met with while in New York is beyond all description. Humanity cannot but drop a tear at sight of the poor, miserable, starved objects. They are mere skeletons, unable to creep or speak in many instances. One vessel lost 27 in her passage from New York to Medford, and 7 died the night they were put ashore; and they are dying all along the roads. Most who have got home in the neighboring towns, are taken with the small pox, which undoubtedly was given them by design—all this does not seem to discourage the few surviving ones. They pray that God would only give them health and strength again, and they are determined to have sweet revenge.”
2.5 GENERAL ORDERS Head Quarters, New York, May 15, 1776. The Continental Congress having ordered, Friday the 17th. Instant to be observed as a day of “fasting, humiliation and prayer, humbly to supplicate the mercy of Almighty God, that it would please him to pardon all our manifold sins and transgressions, and to prosper the Arms of the United Colonies, and finally, establish the peace and freedom of America, upon a solid and lasting foundation” — The General commands all officers, and soldiers, to pay strict obedience to the Orders of the Continental Congress, and by their unfeigned, and pious observance of their religious duties, incline the Lord, and Giver of Victory, to prosper our arms. The regiment of Artillery to be mustered, Sunday morning, at eight o’clock, upon the Common, where the Commissary General of Musters will attend.
2.6 GENERAL ORDERS Head Quarters, Morristown, February 4, 1777. The Hon’ble The Governor and Assembly of New Jersey, having directed Thursday the 6th. day of this Month, to be observed as a Day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer, by the Inhabitants of the State — The General desires the same may be observed by the army.
2.7 GENERAL ORDERS Head Quarters, V. Forge, Sunday, April 12, 1778. The Honorable Congress having thought proper to recommend to The United States of America to set apart Wednesday the 22nd. instant to be observed as a day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer, that at one time and with one voice the righteous dispensations of Providence may be acknowledged and His Goodness and Mercy toward us and our Arms supplicated and implored; The General directs that this day also shall be religiously observed in the Army, that no work be done thereon and that the Chaplains prepare discourses suitable to the Occasion.
2.8 To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS Head Quarters, Middle Brook, April 2, 1779. The Act recommending a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer shall be duly attended to.
2.9 GENERAL ORDERS Head Quarters, Middle Brook, Monday, April 12, 1779. The Honorable the Congress having recommended it to the United States to set apart Thursday the 6th. day of May next to be observed as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer, to acknowledge the gracious interpositions of Providence; to deprecate deserved punishment for our Sins and Ingratitude, to unitedly implore the Protection of Heaven; Success to our Arms and the Arms of our Ally: The Commander in Chief enjoins a religious observance of said day and directs the Chaplains to prepare discourses proper for the occasion; strictly forbiding all recreations and unnecessary labor.
2.10 To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS Head Quarters, March 23, 1780. The day appointed for Fasting, humiliation and prayer will be observed by the Army, agreeable to the proclamation.
2.11 GENERAL ORDERS Head Quarters, Morristown, Thursday, April 6, 1780. The Honorable the Congress having been pleased by their proclamation of the 11th. of last month to appoint Wednesday the 22nd. instant to be set apart and observed as a day of Fasting Humiliation and Prayer for certain special purposes therein mentioned, and recommended that there should be no labor or recreations on that day; The same is to be observed accordingly thro’out the Army and the different Chaplins will prepare discourses suited to the several objects enjoined by the said Proclamation.
2.12 GENERAL ORDERS Head Quarters, New Windsor, Friday, April 27, 1781. Congress having been pleased to set apart and appoint Thursday the 3d. of May next for fasting humiliation and prayer, the General enjoins a strict obedience to it in the Army and calls upon the Chaplains thereof to prepare discourses suitable to the occasion. All duties of Fatigue are to cease on that day.
3. Prayers for Self and Family
3.1 To JOSEPH REED Cambridge, December 15, 1775. Dear Sir: The accounts which you have given of the sentiments of the people respecting my conduct, is extremely flattering. Pray God, I may continue to deserve them, in the perplexed and intricate situation I stand in.
3.2 To MRS. MARTHA CUSTIS July 20, 1758. We have begun our march for the Ohio. A courier is starting for Williamsburg, and I embrace the opportunity to send a few words to one whose life is now inseparable from mine. Since that happy hour when we made our pledges to each other, my thoughts have been continually going to you as another Self. That an all-powerful Providence may keep us both in safety is the prayer of your ever faithful and affectionate friend.
3.3 To FRANCIS FAUQUIER Fort Cumberland Camp, August 5, 1758. In fine, I said, and did every thing to avert a mischief that seem’d to forebode our manifest Ruin; this is the light it appears to me. I pray Heaven my Fears may prove imaginary only.
3.4 To JOHN AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON New York, April 29, 1776. Mrs. Washington is still here, and talks of taking the Small Pox, but I doubt her resolution. to be inoculated. Mr. and Mrs. Custis will set out in a few days for Maryland. I did not write to you by the ‘Squire, because his departure in the first place, was sudden; in the next, I had but little to say. I am very sorry to hear that my Sister was Indisposed with a sore Breast when you last wrote. I hope she is now recover’d of it, and that all your Family are well; that they may continue so, and that our once happy Country may escape the depredations and Calamities attending on War, is the fervent prayer of, dear Sir, your most affectionate brother. Mrs. Washington, Mr. and Mrs. Custis join in love to my Sister and the rest of the Family.
3.5 To EDMUND PENDLETON Morris Town, April 12, 1777. Your friendly, and affectionate wishes for my health and success, has a claim to my thankful acknowledgements; and, that the God of Armies may enable me to bring the present contest to a speedy and happy conclusion, thereby gratifying me in a retirement to the calm and sweet enjoyment of domestick happiness, is the fervent prayer, and most ardent wish of my Soul.
3.6 To LANDON CARTER Morristown in New Jersey, April 15, 1777. Your friendly and affectionate wishes for my health and success has a claim to my most grateful acknowledgements. That the God of Armies may Incline the Hearts of my American Brethren to support, and bestow sufficient abilities on me to bring the present contest to a speedy and happy conclusion, thereby enabling me to sink into sweet retirement, and the full enjoyment of that Peace and happiness which will accompany a domestick Life, is the first wish, and most fervent prayer of my Soul.
3.7 To HANNAH FAIRFAX WASHINGTON Mount Vernon, May 20, 1792. Dear Madam: Mrs. Washington received with much pleasure your kind remembrance and affectionate regards, and would, were she here, where I am come for a few days only, return the same with much sincerity to which permit me to add the best wishes and ardent prayers for your happiness. I am etc.
4. Prayers For the Army
4.1 To ELBRIDGE GERRY Head Quarters, Morris Town, January 29, 1780 With respect to provision; the situation of the Army is comfortable at present on this head and I ardently pray that it may never be again as it has been of late.
4.2 To JOHN ROBINSON Fort Loudoun, June 10, 1757. Major Lewis is returned with part of the Indians, that went out with him, in consequence of their having taken only eight days’ provisions with them. He was unable to prevail with those savages to take more. One party of twenty, with ten soldiers, is gone towards Fort Duquesne, under Captain Spotswood; and another party of fifteen, with five soldiers, under Lieutenant Baker, but they course towards Logstown. God send them success and a safe return, I pray.
4.3 To COLONEL HENRY BOUQUET Camp at Fort Cumberland, August 2, 1758. ...we can do nothing more this Fall than to fortify some Post on the other side of the Mountains and prepare against another Campaigne I must pray Heaven, most fervently, to avert! till we find it impracticable at least to prosecute with prudence the Enterprise in hand.
5 Prayers For Peace
5.1 To MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE Hd. Qrs., Newburgh, March 23, 1783. I hope it is unnecessary to repeat to you, that whether during the continuance of the War, or after the olive branch shall have extended itself over this Land (for which I most devoutly pray) I shall be happy to see you on Columbias shore.
5.2 To THE OFFICERS OF THE TENTH AND NINETY-FIRST REGIMENTS OF THE VIRGINIA MILITIA Mount Vernon, October 24, 1798. That there may be no occasion to gird on the Sword, none more ardently prays than I do; Your prayers, and kind wishes in my behalf, I reciprocate with great Cordiality
5.3 To GEORGE WASHINGTON MOTIER DE LAFAYETTE Mount Vernon, December 25, 1798. Young gentlemen of the first families, fortunes and expectations in the United States, are offering their Services; but I hope, and most ardently pray, that the Directory in your Country will not, by a perseverance in the insults and injuries which they have heaped on this, make it necessary to resort to Arms to repel an Invasion, or to do ourselves justice.
5.4 To THE INHABITANTS OF RICHMOND [August 28, 1793.] True to our duties and interests as Americans, firm to our purpose as lovers of peace, let us unite our fervent prayers to the great ruler of the Universe, that the justice and moderation of all concerned may permit us to continue in the uninterrupted enjoyment of a blessing, which we so greatly prize, and of which we ardently wish them a speedy and permanent participation.
5.5 To THE MILITIA OFFICERS OF THE CITY AND LIBERTIES OF PHILADELPHIA Philadelphia, December 12, 1783. While the various Scenes of the War, in which I have experienced the timely aid of the Militia of Philadelphia, recur to my mind, my ardent prayer ascends to Heaven that they may long enjoy the blessings of that Peace which has been obtained by the divine benediction on our common exertions.
5.6 To THE EARL OF RADNOR Mount Vernon, July 8, 1797. I reciprocate with great cordiality the good wishes you have been pleased to bestow on me; and pray devoutly, that we may both witness, and that shortly, the return of Peace; for a more bloody, expensive, and eventful War, is not recorded in modern, if it be found in ancient history.
5.7 To CHARLES COTESWORTH PINCKNEY Mount Vernon, December 4, 1797. That the Government of France views us as a divided people, I have little doubt; and that they have been led to entertain that opinion from representations, and the conduct of many of our own citizens, is still less doubtful; but I shall be very much mistaken, indeed, in the mass of the People of the United States, if an occasion should call for an unequivocal expression of the public voice, if the first would not find themselves very much deceived; and the latter (their leaders excepted) to change their notes. I pray devoutly that the Directory may not bring the matter to trial.
5.8 To THE INHABITANTS OF THE CITY OF NEW LONDON [September 2, 1793.] Experienced as we have lately been in the calamities of war, it must be the prayer of every good Citizen that it may long be averted from our land, and that the blessings which a kind providence has bestowed upon us, may continue uninterrupted.
6 Prayers For Citizens and Cities
6.1 To COMTE DE ROCHAMBEAU New Windsor, February 26, 1781. I have an increase of happiness from the subsequent intelligence you do me the favour to communicate respecting Count D’Estaings success. This repetition of advices justifies a confidence in their truth [which I pray God may be confirmed in its greatest extent.] Note: The draft is in the writing of Alexander Hamilton. The words in brackets are in the writing of Washington.
6.2 To MAJOR GENERAL HORATIO GATES New York, June 24, 1776. The Distance of the Scene, and the frequent Changes which have happened in the State of our Affairs in Canada, do not allow me to be more particular in my Instructions. The Command is important, the Service difficult, but honourable; and I most devoutly pray that Providence may crown your Arms with abundant Success. Given under my Hand, etc.
6.3 ORDERS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO MAJOR GENERAL ISRAEL PUTNAM Head Quarters, Cambridge, March 29, 1776. Devoutly praying that the Power which has hitherto sustained the American Arms, may continue to bless them, with his divine Protection, I bid you Farewell.
6.4 To THE CITIZENS AND INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF BALTIMORE Baltimore, September 8, 1781. I most sincerely thank you for your Prayers and good Wishes. May the Author of all Blessing aid our united Exertions in the Cause of Liberty. And may the particular Favor of Heaven rest on you Gentlemen, and the worthy Citizens of this flourishing Town of Baltimore.
6.5 To COLONEL HENRY BOUQUET Camp Fort Cumberland, August 13, 1758. If you have any Intelligence from Ticonderago, I shou’d be extreme thankful for the acct. We have expected hourly, to hear that Louisburg is in Our hands, pray Heaven we may not be disappointed at last.
6.6 FAREWELL ORDERS TO THE ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES Rock Hill, near Princeton, November 2, 1783. To the various branches of the Army the General takes this last and solemn opportunity of professing his inviolable attachment and friendship. ... and being now to conclude these his last public Orders, to take his ultimate leave in a short time of the military character, and to bid a final adieu to the Armies he has so long had the honor to Command, he can only again offer in their behalf his recommendations to their grateful country, and his prayers to the God of Armies. May ample justice be done them here, and may the choicest of heaven’s favours, both here and hereafter, attend those who, under the devine auspices, have secured innumerable blessings for others; with these wishes, and this benediction, the Commander in Chief is about to retire from Service. The Curtain of seperation will soon be drawn, and the military scene to him will be closed for ever.
6.7 To COLONEL BENEDICT ARNOLD Cambridge, December 5, 1775. I have no Doubt but a Junction of your Detachment with the Army under General Montgomery, is effected before this. If so, you will put yourself under his Command and will, I am persuaded, give him all the Assistance in your Power, to finish the glorious Work you have begun. That the Almighty may preserve and prosper you in it, is the sincere and fervent Prayer of, Dr. Sir, &c.
6.8 To THE CITIZENS AND INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF BALTIMORE Baltimore, September 8, 1781. I most sincerely thank you for your Prayers and good Wishes. May the Author of all Blessing aid our united Exertions in the Cause of Liberty. And may the particular Favor of Heaven rest on you Gentlemen, and the worthy Citizens of this flourishing Town of Baltimore.
6.9 To THE MAGISTRATES AND SUPERVISORS OF TRYON COUNTY [August 1, 1783.] Accept Gentlemen my thanks for your kind wishes for my welfare be assured it will be my earnest prayer that by the blessing of Providence on the fine Country you possess you may soon be enabled to recover your former ease, and to enjoy that happiness you have so well deserved. I am etc.
6.10 To THE MASSACHUSETTS SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Head Quarters, August 10, 1783. Be assured Gentlemen, that, through the many and complicated vicissitudes of an arduous Conflict, I have ever turned my Eye, with a fixed Confidence on that superintendg. Providence which governs all Events: and the lively Gratitude I now feel, at the happy termination of our Contest, is beyond my Expression. If, dependg on the Guidance of the same Allwise Providence, I have performed my part in this great Revolution, to the acceptance of my fellow Citizens, It is a source of high satisfaction to me; and forms an additional Motive of Praise to that Infinite Wisdom, which directs the Minds of Men. This Consideration will attend me in the Shades of retirement, and furnish one of the most pleasing Themes of my Meditation. So great a revolution as this Country now experiences, doubtless ranks high in the Scale of human Events, and in the Eye of Omnipotence is introductive to some noble Scenes of future Grandeur to this happy fated Continent. May the States have Wisdom to discern their true Interests at this important period! Impressed with sentiments of Gratitude for your benevolent Expressions for my personal Happiness and prosperity, I can make you no better return, than to pray, that Heaven, from the Stores of its Munificence, may shower its choisest blessings on you Gentlemen, and the People of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and to entreat that Our Liberties, now so happily established, may be continued in perfect Security, to the latest posterity. With Sentiments of high Veneration etc.
6.11 To THE MAYOR AND COMMONALTY OF FREDERICKSBURG February 14, 1784 Gentlemen: With the greatest pleasure, I receive, in the character of a private Citizen, the honor of your Address. To a beneficent Providence, and to the fortitude of a brave and virtuous Army, supported by the general exertion of our common Country I stand indebted for the plaudits you now bestow; The reflection however, of having met the congratulating smiles and approbation of my fellow-Citizens for the part I have acted in the cause of liberty and Independence cannot fail of adding pleasure to the sweets of domestic life; and my sensibility of them is heightened by their coming from the respectable Inhabitants of the place of my growing Infancy and the honorable mention wch. is made of my revered Mother; by whose Maternal hand (early deprived of a Father) I was led from Childhood. For the expressions of personal Affection and attachment, and for your kind wishes for my future welfare, I offer grateful thanks and my sincere prayers for the happiness and prosperity of the Corporate Town of Fredericksburgh.
7 Prayers For Government Leaders
7.1 To THE PROVISORY EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF FRANCE I assure you, with a sincere participation, of the great and constant friendship, which these U.S. bear to the French nation. of the interest they feel in whatever concerns their happiness and prosperity, and of their wishes for a perpetual fraternity with them, and I pray god [God] to have them and you, very great and good friends and allies, in his holy keeping.
7.2 To GOVERNOR JOHN HANCOCK West Point, November 15, 1783. Be persuaded, my dear Sir, that my wishes and prayers will ever be most ardent for the health and happiness of your Excellency, and for the prosperity of the Commonwealth over which you preside. With sentiments of unalterable respect etc
7.3 To GOVERNOR DIEGO JOSEPH NAVARRO Of [Havana] Head Quarters, Middle Brook, March 4, 1779. With my prayers for your health and happiness, and with the greatest respect I have the honor etc.
7.4 To THE MAYOR, RECORDER, ALDERMEN, AND COMMONALTY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK [April 10, 1785] I pray that Heaven may bestow its choicest blessings on your City. That the devastations of War, in which you found it, may soon be without a trace. That a well regulated and benificial Commerce may enrichen your Citizens. And that, your State (at present the Seat of the Empire) may set such examples of wisdom and liberality, as shall have a tendency to strengthen and give permanency to the Union at home, and credit and respectability to it abroad. The accomplishment whereof is a remaining wish, and the primary object of all my desires.
8 Prayers For States
