Colonial Campaigns Club (CCC)

Boston:

24 January, 1775

The General being much displeased with the conduct of the Officers concerned in the late disturbance, and anxious to prevent just cause of complaint on the part of the Towns people, has, in a private order, directed the Commanding Officers of the Corps to assemble their Officers, and shew them the impropriety of the conduct of some of them, which has afforded the King’s enemies the very advantage they seek, and given room for reflections that dishonor the service. To point out to them the ills that must arise from their assembling to game and drink, which lays the foundations for Quarrels and Riots, and that the attacking of the Watch of any Town in all parts of the World, must be attended with bad consequences: for as they are appointed by the Law, the Law will protect them. They will also shew that no person who quarrels with them will have satisfaction for the injuries he may receive, but on the contrary will be condemned. They are desired to inform their Officers that the Commander in Chief is determined to make the strictest enquirey in the conduct of all Officers concerned in Quarrels or Riots with the Towns people, and try them if in fault. They will remind the Officers of orders already given out in that respect, and of the directions given to the Guard to prevent them.

Diary of Frederick Mackenzie
Giving A Daily Narrative of His Military Service of the Regiment of Royal Welch Fusiliers During the Years 1775-1781 in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York