398 THE FEEXCH BLOOD IX AMERICA 



Washington 

 and Knox 



Original 

 Articles 



The Name 



Benevolent 

 Aim 



strumental in the organization. The original articles are 

 still preserved. The object of the society was " to com- 

 memorate the success of the war against Great Britain 

 and the reciprocal advantages which would ensue to the 

 colonies, thereby establishing themselves as sovereign and 

 independent states, to perpetuate sentiments of patriot- 

 ism, benevolence and brotherly love and the memory of 

 the hardships of the war experienced in common." Tlie 

 articles also declare that "the officers of the American 

 Army do hereby in the most solemn manner associate 

 themselves into one Society of Friends to endure as long 

 as they shall endure, or any of their oldest male posterity, 

 and in failure thereof the collateral branches who may be 

 judged worthy of becoming its supporters and membera." 



" The officers of the American army having been taken 

 from the citizens of America possess high veneration for 

 the character of that illustrious Roman, Lucius Quintus 

 Cincinnatus, and being resolved to follow his example by 

 returning to their citizenship, they think they may with 

 propriety denominate themselves the Society of the Cin- 

 cinnati." 



Then follows a statement of their principles which are 

 of an exalted and patriotic character. Provision was 

 made for the establishment of stat« societies, and also of 

 district or local societies. In order that relief might be 

 immediately extended, it was provided that " each officer 

 shall deliver to the treasurer of the State Society one 

 month's pay, which shall remain forever to the use of the 

 State Society, the interest only of which, if necessary, to 

 be appropriated to the relief of the unfortunate." It was 

 also provided that " all officers of the American army — 

 as well as those who have resigned with honour after 

 three years' service in the capacity of officers, have the 

 right" to membership. Provision was made also for an 

 Order "by which its members shall be known and dis- 

 tinguished, which shall be a medal of gold of a proper 

 size to receive the emblems and suspended by a deep 



