"Conduct Unbecoming" in 1777

[Fred Shapiro]

The following appears in the Writings of George Washington, ed. John C.
Fitzpatrick, vol. 10, page 137:


GENERAL ORDERS
Head-Quarters, White Marsh, December 3, 1777

... The Court having considered the first charge and the evidence, are of
opinion that Capt. Duffey behaved with a warmth, which tended to produce a
riot, and do sentence him to be reprimanded in General Orders.  Upon the
second charge they are of opinion that Major Howard, when Capt. Duffey
struck him, had deviated from the line of his duty, and consequently was
not in the execution of his office.  They do therefore acquit Capt. Duffey
of the second charge.
  The foregoing opinions are approved by the Commander in Chief, and the
sentences of reprimand appear to be pronounced with great justness, on an
impropriety of conduct unbecoming the character of officers, whose dutyit
is to suppress all riot and tumult, and to set examples of moderation,
decency and order.


Fred Shapiro


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Fred R. Shapiro                             Editor
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