George Washington Papers

General Orders, 8 June 1782

saturday June 8. 1782

Parole
C. Signs

The General was highly pleased with the appearance of the first Massachusetts Brigade yesterday under Arms, and was very well satisfied with thier Manoeuvering: the firing might have been better, and he fears the Locks or flints of the Musketts were in bad order, as many of them missed fire—the Officers commanding the Light Infantry should impress upon the men the necessity of taking deliberate Aim whenever They fire and see that they do it when it is in their power—It is the effect of the shot not the report of the Gun that can discomfit the Enimy and if a bad habit is acquired at exercise it will prevail in real Action and so vice versa.

DLC: Papers of George Washington.

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