George Washington - Digital Gallery

Head quarters, Peeks-kill, general orders for the army under the command of Brigadier General M'Dougall..., 1777

General Orders issued under the command of Brigadier General Alexander McDougall during the Revolutionary War outlines the imperative need of cleanliness among soldiers to ensure good health. The Orders state that any who fail to comply will "be punished with death, or suffer under some dangerous disease."

Courtesy National Library of Medicine