This Day in History: April 7

I am informed, and indeed I have observed, that the men of your Regiment are so exceedingly bare of necessaries, that it not only contributes to their unhealthiness, but renders them absolutely unfit to take the Field. Inattention to the wants of Soldiers marks the bad Officer; it does more, it reasonably removes that confidence on which the Officers Honour and Reputation must depend.

As there is Clothing now here, I desire you may immediately cause inquiry to be made into what is wanting, and make returns, that if the things wanted are not here, they may be ordered on. If advantage is not taken to supply the Men, now we have a little leisure time, they will be miserable and naked during the active part of the Campaign.