1775 The enlistment and retention problems of the Continental Army were staggering for a commander. Most of the enlistments were of one year’s duration, many of the men had families, farms, and businesses which were suffering without them, and often an enlistee would leave at will. There were no formalized regulations in place, little in the way of supplies, and minimal regard for following orders. The articles of war, which were loosely based on the British Articles of War, decreed that the army should act as though they were in polite society, attend church, and avoid drunkenness, but although death was the sentence for some major crimes, courts-martial were not allowed to punish with any more than thirty-nine lashes, or fine a soldier more than two months pay, or imprison a deserter for more than a month. Washington had his work cut out for him! Brigadier General Horatio Gates was requested to issue recruiting orders in the hope that the Continental Army could attract a more committed and dedicated class of soldier. http://www.ctssar.org/monthly_history/y1775july.htm