Tuesday, April 14, 2009

This Day in History: April 14

A Resolution by the Second Continental Congress, April 14, 1777 and printed by John Dunlap. One page, 8" x 13", Philadelphia. Signed in type by "JOHN HANCOCK, PRESIDENT", this rare resolution called for the substitution of the previous articles of the "Rules and Articles for the better Government of the Troops" with the four articles listed on this broadside. These articles allowed soldiers to bring their own provisions into American forts and garrisons; permitted officers to take complaints to the Continental General; allowed court-martials only be given after due process; and gave each states' Continental General the power to appoint military courts and pardon punishments (except for those sentenced to death). [More]

1 comment:

Jay21 said...

Also Booth made his dramatic exit of the ford theatre.