The Abandonment of Continental Soldiers After the War
The Society of the Cincinnati - Massachusetts Historical Society
The soldiers of the Continental Army suffered extreme hardships. They were usually undersupplied while they experienced the terror of combat, fighting for what George Washington called the "great cause." The close of the war brought further anxiety as promised payment was long in arrears and the under funded Congress would soon no longer require their urgent protection. The officers of the Continental Army formed the Society of the Cincinnati to perpetuate their brotherhood and maintain an organization to press Congress to fulfill its promises.