General Washington to the President of Congress September 24, 1776 (excerpt on desertions among the Militia) Heights of Harlem, September 24, 1776 "We are now, as it were, upon the eve of another dissolution of our army ... [this] reflects but a very gloomy prospect upon the appearance of things now, and satisfy me beyond the possibility of a doubt, that unless some speedy and effectual measures are adopted by Congress our cause will be lost. To place any dependence upon Militia is assuredly resting upon a broken staff. Men just dragged from the tender scenes of domestic life, unaccustomed to the din of arms, totally unacquainted with every kind of military skill, which, being followed by a want of confidence in themselves when opposed to troops regularly trained, disciplined, and appointed, superiour in knowledge and superiour in arms, makes them timid and ready to fly from their own shadows. Besides, the sudden change in their manner of living, (particularly in their lodging,) brings on sickness in many, impatience in all, and such an unconquerable desire of returning to their respective homes, that it not only produces shameful and scandalous desertions among themselves but infuses the like spirit in others." American Archives 5, Vol. 2, column 496