The following text is taken from the orderly book of Jacob Turner who was with the 3rd NC Regt of the NC Brigade that was with Washington's Army during 1777 & 1778. The orderly book has entries that date from 5th July, 1777 to 29th August 1777 and from 5th July 1778 to 27th August 1778. I've left the spelling as it was found in the book.

John Halfpenny of the 10th Virginia Regt. charged with getting drunk, causing a riot and abusing his officers, no evidence appearing against him the court orders him to be released from his confinement.

Herman Wineocock of the German Regt charged with neglecting his duty and absenting himself from his company and refusing to take his arms and accoutrements. The court after considering the charge and evidences are of opinion that the prisoner is guilty of all the charges exhibited but that of mutiny. Sentenced the prisoner to have 39 lashes on his bare back.

Dennis O’Bryan a soldier belonging to the NC Regt acted under the command of Col Sumner charged with his having deserted from that detachment. The prisoner pleads guilty but it appears to the court that he is incapable of Rendering any service to the country as he appears to be not able in body and a stupid, foolish person. Sentenced him to be drummed out of the service.

Lieut. Cummings of the 1st Virginia Regt charged with Messing with the common soldiers and speaking disrespectful words of the Commanding Officer of the Regt and with carrying a soldier of the 1st Regt away with him; the court not having any evidence to prove the charge of speaking disrespectful words of the Commander of the Regt, cannot determine whether he is guilty of the charge; they are of the opinion, considering the particular circumstances of the matter as to the charge of Messing with Soldiers related by the prisoner and having no evidence to prove to the contrary, that he should be reprimanded by the Commanding Officer of the Regt he belongs to at the Head of the Regt; the court does excuse the prisoner for taking a soldier away with him from the Regt considering the bad state of health he was in.

John Walker a Sergt in Capt. John Street’s Independent Company charged with absenting himself 12 days from his company without leave pleads guilty but that he was returning to his company when taken up; sentenced to be reprimanded at the head of his company and one month’s pay to be stopped from him.

Anthony Eastheart charged with the same cause as Walker belonging to Capt. Street’s Independents, Sentence Do. ("Do" short for ditto)

Solomon Grant of the 14th Virginia Regt charged with sleeping on his post pleaded guilty, and sentenced to receive 25 lashes on his bare back, but it appearing in evidence that he was a good, orderly, well behaved soldier and that he was probably unwell when on sentry the Commander in Chief remits the punishment.

Lieut. Samuel Smith of the 8th Pennsylvania Regt charged with ungentlemanlike behaviour in the Regt and disobedience of orders. Acquitted of the charge of ungentlemanlike behaviour, but found guilty of disobedience of orders, not attending the Parade as constantly at orderly times as he ought to have done; sentenced to be severely reprimanded in Gen. Orders; the Commander in Chief is extremely sorry that an officer of whom it is testified that in a post of danger he behaved himself with prudence and spirit should be guilty of neglect of discipline, which is so essential to furnish good soldiers; a neglect so contrary to orders highly injurious to the service and disrespectful to the subject of it, a neglect for which neither prudence nor bravery compensates and which if persisted in must be an effectual bar to promotion.

John Doherty of the Artillary charged with stabbing Lieut. Carrington of the 7th Virginia Regt; the court having considered the charge and the evidence, are of opinion that though the prisoner is guilty of the charge against him he was justifyable in doing it as he was acting in the way of his duty.

Levi Springer of the 4th NC Regt in Capt. Nelson’s company, charged with desertion from the 4th Regt and inlisting with Capt. Syms of the 10th VA Regt found guilty and sentenced to receive 50 lashes on his bare back to serve out the time with Capt. Nelson and the bounty he received from Capt. Syms to be stopped out of his pay by Capt. Nelson and paid to Capt. Syms.

Joshua Hunter of the 1st VA Regt charged with desertion, found guilty and sentenced to receive 50 lashes on his bare back.

Adam Haskey of Col. Stewart’s Regt from Pennsylvania, charged with desertion, found guilty and sentenced to 50 lashes on his bare back..

Frederick Lenard of Col. Stewart’s Regt charged with desertion, found guilty and sentenced to receive 50 lashes.

Joseph Halburt of the 15th Pennsylvania Regt was tried for desertion, but it appeared to the court that he was intitled to the benifit of the pardon granted by the Commander in Chief previous to the execution of Thomas Smith who was shot at Middle Brook. Timothy Branner & William Smith of the 6th Maryland Regt, William Foster & Adam Brooks of the 10th Virginia Regt, Isaac Proctor of the 15th Virginia Regt, found guilty but the Commander in Chief grieved at the number of offenders, ever desirous of showing mercy, where it is not incompatible with publick good and hoping that his clemency may hereafter have a happy tendency to reclaim the guilty was pleased to grant a general pardon & the offenders convicted are hereby declared to be pardoned; the following sentences of the same court martial are approved of by the Commander in Chief:

Capt. Fursback of Col. Armand’s Corps charged first for absenting himself without leave, secondly when being ordered to join his company when under arms answered he had time enough & declined doing it, thirdly, when being put under arrest, made use of bad language and treated the Col. in a manner unbecoming an Officer, fourthly when the Corps were ordered to march into Amboy he uttered discontent loudly before the soldiers and wanted to know why they were returning to Amboy, acquitted of the first and found guilty of the second, third and fourth charges and sentenced to be reprimanded in Genl Orders and to ask pardon of Col. Armand in the presence of the Officers of his Corps. The Commander in Chief wishes all Officers to be impressed with this truth, that nothing is more essential in the military service than an exact subordination and ready obedience to the commands of superior officers, that it is this which gives life and vigor to an army, that a contrary conduct must clog and impede every movement and excite a spirit of discontent, disobedience and licentiousness amongst the troops, that in their view the conduct of Capt. Fursback must be deemed highly criminal and of a very dangerous tendency.

Lt. Higgins, Capt. Clarke & Lt. Kinly of the 8th Virginia Regt and Capt. Lungdon of the 12th Virginia Regt charged severally with neglect of duty in not having their men's arms in good order and with disobedience of the Genl Orders relating thereto, Aquitted.

Capt. Berry, Lt. Myers & Ensign Westall of the 8th Virginia Regt, Capt. Brent and Lt. Smith of the 4th Virginia Regt, charged severally with neglect of duty in not having their mens arms in good order and with disobedience of the Genl Orders relating thereto, found guilty and sentenced that Lt. Myers & Smith be severely reprimanded in Genl Orders. The Commander in Chief cannot forbear to express his astonishment at the carelessness of officers in a point of such importance as this now mentioned, and that this carelessness too should take place after repeated and most particular orders recently given to have arms thoroughly cleaned and put in the best order seeing their own personal safety, that of the Army and of the Country depends upon the efficiency of the mens arms. ‘Tis truly surprising that officers can rest easy for one hour when there is the smallest probability that they are unfit for immediate action whether the orders for examining and cleaning them be given or not, for it is a duty so obvious that the officers of Regts and Companies should see to it themselves at all times and not oblige the Commander in Chief to attend to every circumstance that regards each particular corps.

Capt. Nanhare, Capt. Francis Proctor, Capt.-Lieut Cotnam, Lieut Bond, Lieut Barker, Lieut McConnel, & Lieut Douglas, all artillary officers having been arrested and tried for disobedience of orders, and sleeping out of their encampment, it is of the opinion of the court that they were guilty of the charge, but some circumstances appearing in their favour, the court were induced to sentence them to receive a reprimand from Col. Proctor, the Commanding Officer of their Corps, which the Genl hopes will be a sufficient caution to them for the future. When they receive the said reprimand they are discharged from their arrestment.

Lt. Shute of the artillary being also arrested & tried for going into town, when Officer of the Guard after 8 O’clock at night, was found guilty by the court, but being particularly recommended as a good officer by the Col. & Major of his Regt, the court were induced only to subject him to a reprimand in the Genl Orders, which however inadequate to the nature of his offense as an officer, the Genl hopes will answer the good purpose intended by the court, the said Lt. Shute is therefore discharged from his arrest.

Lt. James Wells having been arrested and tried for ungentleman like behaviour in giving Capt. Wilkinson the lye and striking him, when going to arrest him and some unfavourable circumstances appearing in the conduct of Capt. Wilkinson, the court was induced to acquit Lt. Wells, who is accordingly discharged from his arrest.

The punishment ordered Joseph Stephens by the general court martial is remitted. He is therefore released from his confinement and ordered to join his Regt.

John Mitchell charged with desertion, being acquitted by the court martial, is to be released from his confinement and to join his Regt.

John Churn charged with desertion, is acquitted by the court martial and is to join his Regt.

Thomas Stead charged with having stolen 30 Dollars from Capt. Steel, was found guilty of the charge & sentenced by the court to receive 50 lashes on his bare back, and after two day’s confinement, unless he returns the said 30 Dollars, to receive 50 more and to be put under stoppages monthly until he shall have paid the same, which sentence is approved, and ordered that he receive the first part of his punishment tomorrow evening at 6 o’clock.

Joel Martin accused with desertion being recommended to the court for mercy is ordered to be released from his confinement and to join his Regt (viz) the first.

Thos. Wiggins & Benj. Dean charged with desertion. The court finds that after having enlisted with Capt. Inlow, they had been prevailed on by the insinuation of Capt. Oliver, Master of a Vessel to enlist with Capt. Harget, & some other circumstances appearing in their favour, the court has acquitted them & directs that they join Capt. Inlow’s Company and do duty accordingly, which is approved.

William Turner is sentenced to receive 50 lashes for sleeping on his post, but being particularly recommended by the court, his punishment is remitted & ordered that he join his Regt.

Edward Evans being concerned in stealing money, is acquitted by the court and is therefore released from his confinement and to join his Regt.

Anthony Green, for disobeying orders and insulting his officer is found guilty and sentenced to receive 50 lashes on his bare back, which is approved.

James Legars, accused of sleeping on his post, is acquitted by the court and is therefore to join his Regt.

Ensign Carpenter, who was cashiered by a court martial held at Alexandria the 12th of June last, appeals from the sentence of said court, and has assigned to his Excellency the Commander in Chief, the following error: First that Capt. Edward Vail one of the members of the court gave his deposition after he, the prisoner, had with drawn. Secondly that the deposition of some ladies which was introduced as evidences were taken exparte. and thirdly that the court was composed of persons known to be his enemies. Therefore it is ordered that a court of enquiry, none of whom is under the degree of Capt. to be held this afternoon at 3 o’clock to enquire how far said reasons can be supported by Mr. Carpenter, who will be notified when & where to attend.

Col. Buncombe, President, The Rev. Mr. Boyd Judge Advocate.

At a Genl Court Martial in the right wing of the Army, at Watersession 9th July 1778 Lt. Col. Mead President, Capt. Lipscomb acting Q.M. Genl to the Division commanded by Major Genl Baron Stuben tried for treating the Genl in a disrespectful manner, after considering the charge and evidence, the court is of the unanimous opinion that Capt. Lipscomb is not guilty of the charge against him, and do acquit him with honor- the Genl approves the sentence, he is willing to believe that Capt. Lipscomb did not intend that disrespect to the Baron de Stuben which the Baron apprehended. At the same time he must observe that there was an impropriety in Capt. Lipscomb taking quarters in a house destined for the Genl commanding the Division.

At the same court Lieut West of Col. Angel’s Regt was tried for plundering the property of Mrs Jeff in the month of Dec 1776, found guilty of the charge exhibited against him and sentenced to be dismissed the service, the Commander in Chief approves the sentence, and orders it to take place immediately.

At a Brigade Court Martial in Genl Woodfords Brigade held at Slaughterdam Camp July 10th, 1778, Ensign Cooper of the 15th Virginia Regt, tried for getting drunk on the 6th Inst. and lying on the road in a shameful manner when he ought to have been with the Regt, found guilty and sentenced to be cashiered. At the same court, Lieut Burnley of the 7th Virginia Regt tried for absenting himself from his command without leave, found guilty and sentenced to be discharged from the service. The Commander in Chief approves the sentences and orders it to take place.

At a division Genl Court Martial held at Kaheate Camp July 16th 1778, Col. Gibson, President, Lieut. Deaver & Ensign Grassaway of the 3rd Maryland Regt tried for disobedience of orders and neglect of duty in absenting themselves from their Regt without leave; found guilty of a breach 2nd Article, 13th Section of the Articles of War. The court considering the evil tendency of such conduct which has been too generally practiced by the officers throughout and which Lieut. Deaver and Ensign Grassaway have offered in mitigation of their offences are unanimously of opinion that they be reprimanded in the Genl Orders, and beg leave to observe that nothing but a Joint Consent of the Commanding Officer of the Regt prevents the court from being much more severe in their sentence. It gives the Commander in Chief more sensible pain to find any Officer’s conduct so very blameable as that of Lieut. Deaver and Ensign Grassaway. The striking propriety and necessity of officers staying with their Corps in camp is well known to every Private; the Genl is therefore sorry he is obliged to reprimand Lt. Deaver and Ensign Grassaway or that an example of so pernicious and fatal a consequence should be seen in the records of the Army.

At a General Court Martial, July 17, 1778, Col. Putnam, President, Mr. James Davidson, Quarter Master of Col. James Livingston’s Regt tried for defrauding the Soldiers of their provisions, embezelling the Continental property and disposing several articles belonging to the United States, found guilty and sentenced to be cashiered.

Henry Scott, soldier in Col. Sherbourns Regt, was tried for desertion, found guilty and sentenced to receive 50 lashes on his bare back and be confined in some Gaol till he can be put on board the Continental Navy and there to remain during the war---The Commander in Chief orders him to receive his lashes tomorrow morning on the Grand Parade at Guard Mounting, and then to return to his Regt.

Alexander Graham, alias Smith, a soldier in Col. Meg’s Regt tried for desertion, found guilty unanimously and sentenced to be shot to death.

John Craig of the 4th Maryland Regt, at a Brigade General Court Martial, July 10th 1778, was tried for deserting to the enemy, found guilty, and unanimously sentenced to suffer death. His Excellancy, the Commander in Chief approves the two last mentioned sentences.

At a general Court Martial of the 2nd Line, July 22nd 1778, Col. George Gibson, President, John Jenkins, Zack Ward, Rich Burk, Michael Carmen, William McLaughlin, of the 6th Maryland Regt and Nick Fitzgerald of the 7th Maryland Regt, were tried for desertion and attempting to get to the enemy. All were found guilty and unanimously sentenced to suffer death. Also John Daily of the 2nd Maryland Regt, tried for desertion, found guilty and sentenced to receive 100 lashes on his bare back, well laid on. At the same court, July 23rd, Solomon Lyons of the 2nd Virginia Regt was tried for desertion, found guilty and unanimously sentenced to suffer death. Likewise David McClemmans of the Delaware Regt was tried for desertion and acquitted. His Excellancy, the Commander in Chief approves the foregoing sentences: The sentence against John Daily to be put into execution tomorrow morning at 6 o’clock at the head of the Regiment to which he belongs. David McClemans to be immediately released from his confinement.

At a division General Court Martial, held at Peek’s Hill, July 16th 1778, Lieut. James Armstrong of the 3rd Pennsylvania Regt. was tried for behaving in a scandalous manner and beating a number of persons, breaking windows and being guilty of other abusive treatment; after due consideration the court is of the opinion that Lieut. Armstrong was guilty of beating Quarter Master Bradford, but think that the provocation was somewhat equal to the offence; that he was guilty of breaking cellar windows and other abusive treatment, but upon the whole cannot pronounce his behaviour scandalous, though unjustifyable and notwithstanding his good character as an officer and soldier, do sentence him to be reprimanded in the General Orders.

At the same court, Capt. Thomas Moore & James Christie, of the 5th Pennsylvania Regt, Tried for the same crime, the court is of the opinion that they are not guilty of behaving in a scandalous manner, beating a number of persons or breaking windows, but find them guilty of abusive treatment and sentence them to be reprimanded by the Commanding Officer of the Brigade. The Commander in Chief is sorry that he has occasion to declare that Capts Christie, Moore and Lt. Armstrong were thro’ the whole of this affair in a circumstance that did them very little honor. He laments they should suffer themselves so far to deviate from that line of delicacy & decorum which they owe to their own characters as to engage in a riot and tumult of so singular a complexion, especially as it rather appears by their own defence that they left their Regts without leave.

Capts’ Moore, and Christie & Lieut. Armstrong are released from their arrest.

At a general Court Martial, where of Col. Stewart was President, July 29th 1778, Lieut.-Col. Regnier tried first for leaving his Regt when alarmed by the firing of the Patrols upon the lines on the morning of 29 June last, and not joining it again till the alarm was over; 2ndly, for purchasing a horse from a soldier which property belonged to the Continent; 3rdly, for treating Adjutant Sachett in an unofficer & ungentleman like manner, the court having considered the charge & evidence, are unanimously of opinion, that Col. Regnier is not guilty of either of the charges exhibited against him, and are further of opinion that they are groundless vexations and dictated by private pique and malice. They acquit him with honor.

At the same court, July 31st 1778, Capt. Sileron acting as a Volunteer in the 4th New York Regt was tried for calling Adjutant Sachett a Liar and drawing his sword on him when unarmed, 2ndly, for insinuating that he was a coward and challenging him to fight a duel, the court having considered the first charge, are of the opinion that Capt. Sileron is guilty thereof but as the abuse was reciprocal, and as Capt. Sileron could not mean by drawing his sword to take advantage of Mr. Sachett’s being unarmed, the court thinks the punishment of lying in arrest (a punishment pointed out by the article of war, of which his crime is a breach and which Capt. Sileron has already suffered) is adequate to the fault he has committed, they are likewise of opinion that Capt. Sileron is guilty of the 2nd charge exhibited against him, but as the challenge was given by him immediately, as it proceeded from the instantaneous resentment of an incensed gentleman, and was not sent in cool reflection, the court is of the opinion that Capt. Sileron has not been guilty of a breach of the article of war which prohibits sending challenges, and to determine that he does not deserve censure.

Likewise, Lieut. Norton of the 2nd Pennsylvania Regt tried for entering the encampment of the 3rd Pennsylvania Regt, in company with several others in a riotous and mutinous manner, for attempting to enter Col. Craige’s house between the hours of 12 & 1 in the morning of the 4th of June with a drawn sword, was unanimously acquitted of the charge exhibited against him His Excellency the Commander in Chief approves the sentences.

At a General Court Martial July 27th 1778 , Col. Steward, President, Doctor Brown of the 14th Virginia Regt tried for going not only without the leave, but against the express consent of the Commanding Officer, and that at a time when the distressed situation of the Regt required the Doctor’s particular attention, for neglecting to have a furlough, which he said he had obtained from Doct. Cochran, registered as is positively directed in Genl Orders of 22nd Dec last. The court having considered the charges and evidence are unanimously of opinion that Doct Brown is guilty of the charges exhibited against him, but in consideration of the very bad state of health at the time he left his Regt, and that his conceiving that a furlough from Doct Cochran was entirely sufficient, the court only sentenced him to be reprimanded in Genl Orders. That the facts stated in the first charge is proved, yet the Commander in Chief cannot think that it contains any imputation of guilt, because, by the establishment of the Medical Department, the Surgeon General had a right to give Dr Brown a furlough in the manner he did, and it appears, besides, that the Doctor’s state of health did not permit his attendance on the Regt. His conduct was certainly blameable in not having the furlough registered as directed, ignorance of which is the worse of all possible excuses.

At a General Court Martial, whereof Col. David Hall was President, 4th Aug 1778, Capt. Seely of the 5th Pennsylvania Regt, tried for leaving his guard before he was properly relieved; found guilty of the charge exhibited against him, being a breach of the 4th art. 12 sec. of the articles of war, and sentenced to be reprimanded in the Genl Orders.

The Commander in Chief confirms the sentence, tho’ he could wish a severer punishment had been decreed to an offence, which is of the highest military criminality, and of the most dangerous tendency, and the safety of the army altogether depending on the strict discipline and unremitting vigilance observed by officers on guard, particularly at the out Post.

At the same court, Neil McGoungle of the 7th Pennsylvania Regt. tried for threatening Capt. Scott’s life; also for drawing his bayonet and stabbing him repeatedly while in the execution of his office; found guilty of the charges exhibited against him, and sentenced by a more than two thirds of the court to be shot to death. His Excellency, the Commander in Chief, approves the sentence.

The Commander in Chief has thought proper to pardon the following criminals who were under sentence of death and to have executed this day, Solomon Lyons, Hon Craig, Zack Ward, Richard Burk, Michael Carman, William McLaughlin, John Jenkins, Nicholas Fitzgerald, David Potter, and Neal McGonnigal. Not withstanding the general good character of the latter criminal as a soldier, the wounds he has received fighting for his country, the warm solicitation of several respectable officers in his behalf & even the special intercession of Capt. Scott himself to whom the injury was offered, it is with extreme difficulty the Commander in Chief could prevail with himself to pardon an offence so atrocious as that committed by McGonnigal. Even the least disrespect from a soldier to an officer is criminal and deserves severe punishment, when it proceeds to any kind of personal violence. The offender justly merits death, but when it extends to an attempt on an officer’s life, as was the case in the present instance, it assumes a complexion so enormous and agravating that it even wants a name and puts the criminal almost beyond the reach of mercy itself.

The Genl is happy to reflect that this is the first time an instance of the kind has come before him, he thinks is necessary to warn every soldier that a similar one will never hereafter be forgiven, whatever may be the character of the offender or the intercession of the officers.

Several deserters from this Army to the Enemy who have since returned, having been permitted with impunity to join their Regiments, the Genl, to prevent an abuse of his lenity by its being drawn into precedent and made an encouragement to others to commit the same crime, takes occasion to declare in explicit terms that no man who shall desert to the enemy after the publication of this order, will ever be allowed to enjoy the like indulgence, but whether he returns voluntarily himself or falls into our hands by any other means, will infallibly suffer the punishment decreed to his crime.

At a Brigade Court Martial, 14th July 1778, Lt.Col. Popham, President, Lieut. Waters and McNamara was tried for speaking disrespectful of the Commander in Chief, treating Lieut. Hill in a scandalous manner unbecoming the characters of gentlemen and raising a riot, and contemptious treatment of Col. Harrison after being arrested. After mature deliberation the court are of the opinion, that Lieut. Waters is guilty of treating Lieut. Hill in a scandalous manner unbecoming the character of a gentleman, but as the provocation from Mr. Hill was so considerable and so very apt to produce in Lt. Waters a forgetfulness of his character as a gentleman and an officer, they view the crime as in some method Palciated, therefore only sentence him to be reprimanded by the Commanding Officer of Artillary in the presence of all the Officers of that Corps. The Genl approves the sentence and orders it to take place tomorrow morning at roll call.

The court finds Lieut. McNamara guilty of speaking disrespectful of his Excellency Genl Washington, treating Lieut. Hill in a scandalous manner unbecoming the character of a gentleman and contemptous treatment of Col. Harrison, after being arrested, and unanimously adjudged that he shall be cashiered. The Commander in Chief is sorry to be under the necessity of deciding a cause of this nature and would readily remit the sentence and acquit Lieut. McNamara, if his behaviour to Col. Harrison his Com’g Officer had not been so gross & disorderly as to compel the Genl to confirm it.

At a General Court Martial 5th August 1778, Col. Hogun, President, Lieut. Lewis of the 9th Virginia Regt was tried for disobedience of orders on the 27th of last June, found guilty & sentenced to be reprimanded in General Orders. The good character given Lieut. Lewis by his Commanding Officer has prevented the court being still more severe in their sentence. The Commander in Chief looks upon Lieut. Lewis’conduct as an unexcusable breach of Military Discipline. The plea of not knowing Col. Swift under whose immediate command he then was cannot be admitted as Lieut. Lewis, if he was in any doubt, might very easily and very naturally have asked from whom the orders came.

At the same court Joseph Coder of the 3rd Maryland Regt. & John Sawlin of Col. Nixon’s Regt tried for desertion, found guilty & sentenced to receive 100 lashes each. The Commander in Chief approves the sentences and orders them to be put in execution tomorrow morning at guard mounting at the head ot the Regiments to which they respectively belong.

At the same court August 20th 1778, Lieut. Lane of the 2nd Jersey Battl. was tried for unofficer like procedure in opening a park for the British Commissaries to Congress while on command at second river. Found guilty of a breach of Article 5, 18 sect. of the Articles of war, & sentenced to be cashiered.

At a Brigade Court Martial, August 22nd, 1778, Col. Patton President, Lt. Levi Gatlin of the 2nd North Carolina Batt. Was tried for neglect of duty and disobedience of orders. Was unanimously found guilty and sentenced to be dismissed the service. The Commander in Chief approves the two last mentioned sentences, & orders it to take place immediately.

At a Brigade Court Martial, 23rd August 1778, Col. Chambers, President, Josias Mensey was tried for desertion to the enemy, found guilty & sentenced to suffer death.

The Commander in Chief approves the sentences.

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