For his camp, even if temporarily, was now full. Early in February came in ten regiments of militia, summoned on service until the first of April. They manifested, he wrote with satisfaction, the greatest alertness, and the determination of men engaged in the cause of freedom. And on the first of March he called into camp the militia of the neighboring towns, who were to report at Roxbury fully equipped for three days' service. To these men was read his general order, preparing their minds for action. They were forbidden to play at cards or other games of chance, and advised to ponder the importance of the cause in which they were enlisted. "But it may not be amiss for the troops to know," he added, "that if any man in action shall presume to skulk, or hide himself, or retreat from the enemy without the orders of his commanding officer, he will be instantly shot down." And with this exhortation and warning Washington concluded his preparations. FOOTNOTES: [138] See the "Writings of Washington," iii, 123-124, note. [139] See letter to Ward, "Writings," iii, 161. [140] See the "Writings of Washington," iii, 161, note. The facts concerning Washington's difficulties with enlisting are taken chiefly from this volume, where they can best be studied. [141] This was a Sunday. [142] Frothingham's "Siege," 104. [143] Carcasses were hollow shells with several openings. They were filled with combustibles, and when thrown into a town were intended to set fire to buildings. [144] Washington's communications to Congress were addressed to Hancock, as its President. [145] He had paid in advance all who had enlisted. [146] "Writings of Washington," iii, 238-241. CHAPTER XIV THE WINTER IN BOSTON