Short, Sharp Shock

On this date in 1776, Congress was still editing their marketing copy for independence, so we'll go back further to 1775, when George Washington took command of the Continental Army.  His General Orders:

Head Quarters, Cambridge, July 3, 1775.

Parole Lookout. Countersign Sharp.

The Colonels or commanding Officer of each Regt. are ordered forthwith, to make two Returns of the Number of men in their respective Regiments, distinguishing such as are sick, wounded or absent on furlough. and also the quantity of ammunition each Regim. now has.

It appearing by the Report of Henry Woods, the Officer of the main guard, that one William Alfred is confin'd for taking two horses, belonging to some Persons in Connecticut, but that he has made satisfaction to the injured parties, who request that they may not be longer detain'd as witnesses: It is ordered that he be discharged, and after receiving a severe reprimand, be turned out of camp

Footnote on the Parole/Countersign:

The countersign was the password given daily to distinguish friends from foes and to prevent unauthorized persons from gaining entrance to the camp. It must be given to sentries, to whom it is known, before the lines can be passed. The parole was a password imparted only to officers of the guard and such other officers as had the right to visit the guards. This to prevent any unauthorized interference with the sentries.

A little more:

[S]election of the parole and countersign was intended to impress wisdom upon the lonely sentinel, who was forced to remember the words if he was unwilling to accept their lesson. The parole Industry was given with the countersign Wealth, Neatness with Gentility, Inoculation with Health. In time of danger the parole Look out with the countersign Sharp must have suggested to the sentinel the path of duty.

I just liked this little slice of camp life and discipline.  The 'inoculation' parole in particular I find interesting.  Carry on.