"You are the kind of men I need," said Washington. "I shall put you on scout duty. Mr. Irons will go into my regiment of sharp shooters with the rank of captain. You have told me of his training in Philadelphia."
3
So the two friends were enlisted and began service in the army of Washington.
A letter from Jack to his mother dated July 25, 1775, is full of the camp color:
"General Charles Lee is in command of my regiment," he writes. "He is a rough, slovenly old dog of a man who seems to bark at us on the training ground. He has two or three hunting dogs that live with him in his tent and also a rare gift of profanity which is with him everywhere--save at headquarters.
"To-day I saw these notices posted in camp:
"'Punctual attendance on divine service is required of all not on actual duty.'
"'No burning of the pope allowed.'
"'Fifteen stripes for denying duty.'
"'Ten for getting drunk.'