This Day in History: September 8

The present mode of encampment, tho’ extremely ornamental and convenient, may, without the utmost care subject us to the loss of our tents by fire—the Boughs of which the Colonade is composed being so very dry, that a spark of fire or a candle falling among them would not fail to set them instantly in a blaze. The Commander in chief therefore recomends the gratest circumspection to the officers in their Marques and tents, and directs the officers of police to see that the soldiers do not make use of fire or Candles carelessly in theirs. [More]