George Washington recorded in his Orderly Book on July 9th, 1776,
The honorable Continental Congress having been pleased to allow a chaplain to each regiment, the colonels or commanding officers of each regiment are directed to procure chaplains accordingly, persons of good characters and exemplary lives, and to see that all inferior officers and soldiers pay them a suitable respect. The blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary, but especially so in times of public distress and danger. The General hopes and trusts, that every officer and man will endeavour to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier, defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country.*
*Jared Sparks. The Writings of George Washington. Vol. XII. Boston: Ferdinand Andrews, Publisher, 1838, at 401.
