3. The creation of a camp routine was paramount for Washington in the early days
Under Washington’s firm command, army routine began to settle on the Continental Army camps during the summer of 1775. The monotony of army life was a reflection of the triumph of Washington over the contentious nature of the troops he commanded. Reveille was established, usually at 6:30 and the men mustered under the eyes of their officers. With the army in camp there were three major activities to which the men could be assigned Monday through Saturday; manual labor in the camps (fatigue duty), manual labor building military fortifications or erecting batteries, or guard duty. Military drill, the seemingly endless back and forth marching on the parade ground was also a daily affair.
The main meal of the day was prepared and eaten at mid-afternoon. On paper the Continental Army was fed well, on the plate not so much so. Both the quantity and quality of the food was lacking for several years, due to a poor quartermaster corps of the army, and the proclivity of suppliers to offer short weights. Bread prepared for the afternoon meal, as well as any leftovers of meat or other food, was divided among the men and retained either for supper later, or breakfast the following day. The men cooked their food and messed with their squad, the same group with which they were quartered, and with which they marched on parade and worked alongside as they went about their duties.