valley forge assignment

The Muster Roll Project

The Valley Forge Muster Roll,  a project of the  Valley Forge Park Alliance , is dedicated to those who were at winter quarters from December 19, 1777, to June 19, 1778.  The Continental Army used monthly muster rolls to track the army’s strength.  Each roll contains names, ranks, dates of enlistment, and other notes on soldiers’ assignments, activities, or conditions.

New entries are welcomed based on providing the following kinds of primary documentation.  You may also contact us to provide additional information about individuals that are currently listed on the Valley Forge Muster Roll.

Suggested documentation

To be added to the Valley Forge Muster Roll, please provide the following primary documentation:

• Payroll stub
• Application for a Pension
• Discharge papers
• Original Muster Roll records

Please send documentation to  [email protected]   or mail to:

Valley Forge Park Alliance Attention: Muster Roll P.O. Box 117 Valley Forge, PA 19481

For additional information in authenticating your ancestry, please visit  www.fold3.com .

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Valley Forge

By: History.com Editors

Updated: June 21, 2023 | Original: December 12, 2018

The six-month encampment of General George Washington ’s Continental Army at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777-1778 was a major turning point in the American Revolutionary War . While conditions were notoriously cold and harsh and provisions were in short supply, it was at the winter camp where George Washington proved his mettle and, with the help of former Prussian military officer Friedrich Wilhelm Baron von Steuben , transformed a battered Continental Army into a unified, world-class fighting force capable of beating the British.

Battle of Valley Forge 

On September 18, 1777, General Wilhelm von Knyphausen led British soldiers on a raid of Valley Forge, where American troops had built a handful of storage facilities. Defending the site were Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton and Captain Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee.

The British succeeded in stealing supplies and burning a few buildings. This minor skirmish later became known as the Battle of Valley Forge. A few months later, Washington and thousands of his troops would arrive at the site.

Where Is Valley Forge?

Washington and his weary troops occupied Valley Forge, located in eastern Pennsylvania along the banks of the Schuylkill River some 20 miles northwest of Philadelphia , six days before Christmas in 1777.

The men were hungry and tired after a string of losing battles that had resulted in the British capture of the patriot capital, Philadelphia, earlier in the fall at the Battle of Brandywine . The string of humiliating defeats had led some members of the Continental Congress to want to replace Washington, believing he was incompetent.

The Valley Forge winter campsite was about a day’s march from British-occupied Philadelphia. Most of the land had previously been cleared for agriculture, leaving a level plateau in an open, rolling landscape.

Washington picked the spot because it was close enough to keep an eye on British troops sheltering in Philadelphia, yet far enough away to prevent a surprise attack on his own Continental Army. Washington and his men would remain at the camp for approximately six months, from December 1777 until June 1778.

Winter at Valley Forge

Within days of arriving at Valley Forge, troops constructed 1,500 to 2,000 log huts in parallel lines that would house 12,000 soldiers and 400 women and children throughout the winter. Washington directed that each hut measure approximately 14 feet by 16 feet.

Sometimes the soldiers’ families joined them in the space as well. Soldiers were instructed to search the countryside for straw to use as bedding since there were not enough blankets for everyone.

In addition to the huts, the men built miles of trenches, military roads and paths. One officer said the camp “had the appearance of a little city” when viewed from a distance. General Washington and his closest aides lived in a two-story stone house near Valley Forge Creek.

Life at Valley Forge

Popular images of life at Valley Forge depict tremendous suffering from cold and starvation. While it was cold, the National Park Service says there wasn’t anything out of the ordinary about the conditions at Valley Forge, characterizing the hardship as “suffering as usual" since the typical Continental soldier experienced a perpetual state of hardship.

A lack of organization, food and money shortages plagued the Continental Army throughout the first half of the seven-year-long revolution. These problems exacerbated the harsh living conditions at Valley Forge in the third year of the war.

While the winter of 1777-1778 wasn’t exceptionally cold, many soldiers lacked proper clothing, which left them unfit to serve. Some were even shoeless. As Washington described in a December 23, 1777, letter to Henry Laurens, “...we have, by a field return this day made no less than 2,898 Men now in Camp unfit for duty because they are barefoot and otherwise naked…”

Army records suggest that each soldier received a daily ration of one-half pound of beef during January 1778, but food shortages during February left the men without meat for several days at a time.

Disease at Valley Forge

Cold and starvation at Valley Forge were not even the most dangerous threats: diseases proved to be the biggest killer. By the end of the six-month encampment, some 2,000 men—roughly one in six—died of disease.

Camp records indicate that two-thirds of the deaths happened during the warmer months of March, April and May when soldiers were less confined to their cabins and food and other supplies were more abundant.

The most common illnesses included influenza , typhus, typhoid fever and dysentery—conditions most likely exacerbated by poor hygiene and sanitation at the camp.

Baron Von Steuben at Valley Forge

Despite the harsh conditions, Valley Forge is sometimes called the birthplace of the American army because, by June of 1778, the weary troops emerged with a rejuvenated spirit and confidence as a well-trained fighting force.

Much of the credit goes to former Prussian military officer Friedrich Wilhelm Baron von Steuben. At the time, the Prussian Army was widely regarded as one of the best in Europe, and von Steuben had a sharp military mind.

Von Steuben arrived in Valley Forge on February 23, 1778. General George Washington, impressed by his acumen, soon appointed von Steuben temporary inspector general. In his role, von Steuben set standards for camp layout, sanitation and conduct. Importantly, he demanded that latrines be placed, facing downhill, on the opposite side of camp as the kitchens.

Soon he became the Continental Army’s chief drillmaster. Von Steuben, who spoke little English, ran the troops through a gamut of intense Prussian-style drills. He taught them to efficiently load, fire and reload weapons, charge with bayonets and march in compact columns of four instead of miles-long single-file marches.

Von Steuben helped to prepare a manual called “Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States,” also called the “Blue Book,” which remained the official training manual of the Army for decades.

Battle of Monmouth

The British soon tested the Continental Army’s newfound discipline at the Battle of Monmouth , which took place in central New Jersey on June 28, 1778. While many historians consider the Battle of Monmouth a tactical draw, the Continental Army fought for the first time as a cohesive unit, showing a new level of confidence.

The Americans used artillery to hold off British troops and even launched bayonet counterattacks—skills they had sharpened while drilling under von Steuben at Valley Forge.

“In the old days,” writes archivist and author John Buchanan, “the Continentals probably would have fled.” But, as Wayne Bodle writes in The Valley Forge Winter: Civilians and Soldiers in War, after their six months of training in the mud and snow of Valley Forge, Washington’s troops became imbued with “a deeper identification with and pride in their craft.”

The Continental Army left Valley Forge for good in June 1778. Today, the site is the home of the Valley Forge National Historical Park .

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What Happened at Valley Forge. National Park Service . "The Prussian Nobleman Who Helped Save the American Revolution," by Erick Trickey, April 26, 2017. Smithsonian Magazine. Letter From George Washington to Henry Laurens, December 23, 1777. National Archives . 10 Facts: Valley Forge. American Battlefield Trust . Monmouth. American Battlefield Trust .

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“History of the NCO 1700: Valley Forge”: Case Study Analysis

Introduction, key problems, thesis statement, alternatives, proposed solutions, recommendations.

The American Revolution is one of the most pivotal moments in the history of the United States of America. However, when praising the military successes of our compatriots, we should remember at what cost they are achieved. Soldiers who fought in the war, died in combat, gave their lives for good causes. Despite this, death overtook many soldiers not only on the battlefield, but also in the camps. The first key problem of this case study is the poor camp layout and sanitation plan, which put the lives of all participants in the war at risk. This question leads to the second problem, which is the spread of various diseases and diseases.

The survival rate of soldiers, non-commissioned officers, commanders, and other military personnel in the camps must be ensured in order to achieve success. Thus, by setting up a camp at the most advantageous point, creating an effective sanitary plan that will avoid disease, the US army commanders would be able to avoid such a large number of victims.

In 1775, the tension between the Americans and the British reached a peak, after which a full-scale war began. George Washington recruited the Continental Army, which occupied Boston in 1776. However, the same army lost New York and its strategically important harbor. By setting up camp at Valley Forge, Washington secured the protection of the Continental Congress, which was the governing body of the entire revolution. A convenient strategic position of the camp was completely uninhabitable for soldiers. Accordingly, the key character is George Washington, who at any cost achieved the proposed goals.

The army was numerous but many soldiers died from developing diseases. These sicknesses were the result of unsanitary conditions in the camp: prisoners lived in crowded places, ate from dirty dishes, while the animals were left to decompose in the ground.

An alternative to this situation could be to improve the living conditions of the military. If the premises were not so densely populated, Washington would be able to avoid unsanitary conditions. However, in the conditions of war, especially the War of independence of the United States, the budget of the army was small. Thus, most of the expenses were spent on arming the American troops, which were supposed to resist the professional soldiers of the British crown. Accordingly, Washington and the rest of the military elite lacked the means to ensure favorable living conditions.

One of the solutions to the problem of unsanitary conditions and the spread of diseases among soldiers is the development of professional training of the army. Troops who have passed professional training are more resistant to such conditions, which allows them to achieve successful results. Such training should include training in the proper use of weapons, strategic skills, and survival skills. Specifically, survival skills would allow the army of Washington to understand what needs to be done in order to ensure the maximum survival of soldiers in the camps. Thus, with the help of professional training, the head of the army could avoid the spread of unsanitary conditions in the camps and various infections and diseases, ensuring the survival of the soldiers.

Thus, specific strategies to achieve this goal, namely camp survival, should include the training of the army. George Washington, as the undisputed leader and mastermind of the entire American revolution, had to train his soldiers in essential skills (Hayes, 2017). Leading thousands of soldiers, the general must be responsible not only for the success of the army on the battlefield, but also outside it. It is becoming clear that the morale of the military plays a key role in achieving victory in the war. Accordingly, the high mortality rate in the camp from various diseases and sanitary conditions lowered this spirit. In this sense, it was Washington that could ensure the flourishing of the army and its well-being.

Hayes, K. J. (2017). George Washington: A Life in Books . Oxford University Press.

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IvyPanda. (2023, October 31). “History of the NCO 1700: Valley Forge”: Case Study Analysis. https://ivypanda.com/essays/history-of-the-nco-1700-valley-forge-case-study-analysis/

"“History of the NCO 1700: Valley Forge”: Case Study Analysis." IvyPanda , 31 Oct. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/history-of-the-nco-1700-valley-forge-case-study-analysis/.

IvyPanda . (2023) '“History of the NCO 1700: Valley Forge”: Case Study Analysis'. 31 October.

IvyPanda . 2023. "“History of the NCO 1700: Valley Forge”: Case Study Analysis." October 31, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/history-of-the-nco-1700-valley-forge-case-study-analysis/.

1. IvyPanda . "“History of the NCO 1700: Valley Forge”: Case Study Analysis." October 31, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/history-of-the-nco-1700-valley-forge-case-study-analysis/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "“History of the NCO 1700: Valley Forge”: Case Study Analysis." October 31, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/history-of-the-nco-1700-valley-forge-case-study-analysis/.

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Valley Forge: "Why are we sent here to starve and Freeze?"

Albigence Waldo served as a surgeon in the Continental Army. Born in 1750, he left his medical practice and family in Pomfret, Connecticut, and volunteered for the patriot cause. Waldo's diary is a valuable resource for studying the Continental Army's winter at Valley Forge (1777-1778), and he took care of sick soldiers in the camps. Waldo survived the Revolutionary War and returned to his home in Connecticut, continuing his medical career. 

December 14 — Prisoners & Deserters are continually coming in. The Army which has been surprisingly healthy hitherto, now begins to grow sickly from the continued fatigues they have suffered this Campaign. Yet they still show a spirit of Alacrity & Contentment not to be expected from so young Troops. I am Sick — discontented — and out of humour. Poor food — hard lodging — Cold Weather — fatigue — Nasty Cloaths — nasty Cookery — Vomit half my time — smoak'd out of my senses — the Devil's in't — I can't Endure it — Why are we sent here to starve and Freeze — What sweet Felicities have I left at home; A charming Wife — pretty Children — Good Beds — good food — good Cookery — all agreeable — all harmonious. Here all Confusion — smoke & Cold — hunger & filthyness — A pox on my bad luck. There comes a bowl of beef soup — full of burnt leaves and dirt, sickish enough to make a Hector spue — away with it Boys — I'll live like the Chameleon upon Air. Poh! Poh! crys Patience within me — you talk like a fool. Your being sick Covers your mind with a Melanchollic Gloom, which makes every thing about you appear gloomy. See the poor Soldier, when in health — with what cheerfulness he meets his foes and encounters every hardship — if barefoot, he labours thro' the Mud & Cold with a Song in his mouth extolling War & Washington — if his food be bad, he eats it notwithstanding with seeming content — blesses God for a good Stomach and Whistles it into digestion. But harkee Patience, a moment — There comes a Soldier, his bare feet are seen thro' his worn out Shoes, his legs nearly naked from the tatter'd remains of an only pair of stockings, his Breeches not sufficient to cover his nakedness, his Shirt hanging in Strings, his hair dishevell'd, his face meagre; his whole appearance pictures a person forsaken & discouraged. He comes, and crys with an air of wretchedness & despair, I am Sick, my feet lame, my legs are sore, my body cover'd with this tormenting Itch — my Cloaths are worn out, my Constitution is broken, my former Activity is exhausted by fatigue, hunger & Cold, I fail fast I shall soon be no more ! and all the reward I shall get will be — "Poor Will is dead." People who live at home in Luxury and Ease, quietly possessing their habitations, Enjoying their Wives & families in peace, have but a very faint Idea of the unpleasing sensations, and continual Anxiety the Man endures who is in a Camp, and is the husband and parent of an agreeable family. These same People are willing we should suffer every thing for their Benefit & advantage, and yet are the first to Condemn us for not doing more!!

December 15. — Quiet. Eat Pessimmens, found myself better for their Lenient Opperation. Went to a house, poor & small, but good food within — eat too much from being so long Abstemious, thro' want of palatables. Mankind are never truly thankfull for the Benefits of life, until they have experienc'd the want of them. The Man who has seen misery knows best how to enjoy good. He who is always at ease & has enough of the Blessings of common life is an Impotent Judge of the feelings of the unfortunate. . . .

December 18. — Universal Thanksgiving — a Roasted pig at Night. God be thanked for my health which I have pretty well recovered. How much better should I feel, were I assured my family were in health. But the same good Being who graciously preserves me, is able to preserve them & bring me to the ardently wish'd for enjoyment of them again.

Rank & Precedence make a good deal of disturbance & confusion in the American Army. The Army are poorly supplied with Provision, occasioned it is said by the Neglect of the Commissary of Purchases. Much talk among Officers about discharges. Money has become of too little consequence. The Congress have not made their Commissions valuable Enough. Heaven avert the bad consequences of these things!! . . . . 

December 21.—[Valley Forge.] Preparations made for hutts. Provisions Scarce. Mr. Ellis went homeward — sent a Letter to my Wife. Heartily wish myself at home, my Skin & eyes are almost spoil' d with continual smoke. A general cry thro' the Camp this Evening among the Soldiers, "No Meat! No Meat!" — the Distant vales Echo'd back the melancholly sound — "No Meat! No Meat!" Immitating the noise of Crows & Owls, also, made a part of the confused Musick.

What have you for your Dinners Boys? "Nothing but Fire Cake & Water, Sir." At night, "Gentlemen the Supper is ready." What is your Supper Lads? "Fire Cake & Water, Sir." Very poor beef has been drawn in our Camp the greater part of this season. . . . 

December 22. — Lay excessive Cold & uncomfortable last Night — my eyes are started out from their Orbits like a Babbit's eyes, occasion'd by a great Cold & Smoke. What have you got for Breakfast, Lads ? " Fire Cake & Water, Sir." The Lord send that our Commissary of Purchases may live [on] Fire Cake & Water, 'till their glutted Gutts are turned to Pasteboard.

Our Division are under Marching Orders this morning. I am ashamed to say it, but I am tempted to steal Fowls if I could find them, or even a whole Hog, for I feel as if I could eat one. But the Impoverish'd Country about us, affords but little matter to employ a Thief, or keep a Clever Fellow in good humour. But why do I talk of hunger & hard usage, when so many in the World have not even fire Cake & Water to eat. . . . 

December 26.— . . . . Many Country Gentlemen in the interior parts of the States who get wrong information of the Affairs & state of our Camp, are very much Surprized at Genl Washington's delay to drive off the Enemy, being falsely inform'd that his Army consists of double the Number of the Enemy's — such wrong information serves not to keep up the spirit of the People, as they must be by and by undeceiv'd to their no small disappointment ; — it brings blame on his Excellency, who is deserving of the greatest encomiums; it brings disgrace on the Continental Troops, who have never evidenced the least backwardness in doing their duty, but on the contrary, have cheerfully endur'd a long and very fatigueing Campaign. 'Tis true they have fought but little this Campaign; which is not owing to any Unwillingness in Officers or Soldiers, but for want of convenient Opportunities, which have not offer'd themselves this Season; tho' this may be contradicted by many; but Impartial Truth in future History will clear up these points, and reflect lasting honour on the Wisdom & prudence of Genl Washington. The greatest Number of Continental Troops that have been with his Excell. this Campaign, never consisted of more than Eleven thousand; and the greatest, Number of Militia in the field at Once were not more than 2000. Yet these accounts are exaggerated to 50 or 60,000. Howe, by the best, and most authentic Accounts has never had less than 10,000. If then, Genl Washington, by Opposing little more than an equal Number of young Troops, to Old Veterans has kept his Ground in general, Cooped them up in the City, prevented their making any considerable inroads upon him, Killed and wounded a very considerable number of them in different Skirmishes, and made many proselytes to the Shrine of Liberty by these little successes, and by the prudence, calmness, sedateness & wisdom with which he facilitates all his Opperations. This being the case, and his not having wantonly thrown away the lives of his Soldiers, but reserved them for another Campaign (if another should Open in the Spring) which is of the utmost consequence This then cannot be called an Inglorious Campaign. If he had risk'd a General Battle, and should have proved unsuccessfull, what in the name of Heaven would have been our case this Day. Troops are raised with great difficulty in the Southern States, many Regiments from these States do not consist of one hundred men. What then was the grand Southern Army before the N. England Troops joined them and if this Army is Cut off where should we get another as good. General Washington has doubtless considered these matters & his conduct this Campaign has certainly demonstrated his prudence & Wisdom. . . . 

Source: Valley Forge, 1777-1778. Diary of Surgeon Albigence Waldo, of the Connecticut Line by Albigence Waldo. Published in 1897.

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American Revolution

Valley forge.

• General George Washington - George Washington was the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. His leadership and resolve played a big part in the United States gaining its independence from Britain.
• General Friedrich von Steuben - Friedrich von Steuben was a Prussian born military leader who served as the inspector general under Washington. He took on the task of training the Continental Army. It was through von Steuben's daily drills, even in the cold of winter at Valley Forge, that the soldiers of the Continental Army learned the tactics and discipline of a true fighting force.
• General Marquis de Lafayette - Marquis de Lafayette was a French military leader who joined Washington's staff at Valley Forge. He worked for no pay and didn't ask for special quarters or treatment. Lafayette would later become an important commander at several key battles.

• Valley Forge was the first state park in Pennsylvania. Today it is known as the Valley Forge National Historic Park.
• The area was named after an iron forge located at nearby Valley Creek.
• General Friedrich von Steuben wrote the Revolutionary War Drill Manual which became the standard drill manual used by the US forces up until the War of 1812.
• It is thought that only around 1/3 of the men who arrived in Valley Forge had shoes.
• Some families of the soldiers including wives, sisters, and children made camp near the soldiers and helped them survive the winter. They were called Camp Followers.
• General von Steuben arrived at Valley Forge with a letter of recommendation from Benjamin Franklin. His energy and knowledge of training and drilling men made an immediate impact on the soldiers at the camp.
• Martha Washington stayed at the camp as well. She would bring baskets of food and socks to the soldiers who needed them the most.
• Take a ten question quiz about this page.
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Valley Forge "Watch, Read & Answer" Online Assignment (PDF)

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This assignment works for students in the classroom and at home.

1. Students watch a short Student friendly video on the topic

2. Students read a student friendly article on the topic

3. Students answer questions from the article

4. Students write about the topic

When did the American Continental Army camp at Valley Forge?

What is Valley Forge often called?

Where is Valley Forge located?

Washington chose Valley Forge because it was close to what city?

What mountains made valley Forge a good place to defend?

What Prussian born leader helped train the American Continental Army?

What French leader joined Washington’s staff at Valley Forge?

What word best describes the living conditions at Valley Forge?

Besides the lack of supplies, what quickly spread through the camp?

How many men died in Valley Forge over the winter?

What was Valley Forge named after?

What were the Wives, Sisters and Children that helped the soldiers called?

Who recommended General von Steuben to General Washington?

What did Martha Washington bring the soldiers in the camp?

Why do you think surviving Valley Forge made the Americans a better fighting force?

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Winter at Valley Forge

Making connections, introduction, valley forge-washington & lafayette. winter 1777-78. copy of engraving by h. b. hall after alonzo chappel..

General George Washington and a Committee of Congress at Valley Forge. Winter 1777-78. Copy of engraving after W. H. Powell, published 1866.

Letter from George Washington to Henry Laurens

Baron von Steuben at Valley Forge

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Your response, valley forge-washington & lafayette. winter 1777-78. copy of engraving by h. b. hall after alonzo chappel., 1777-1778 (artwork 1857).

1777-1778 (artwork 1866)

1777 (artwork 1907)

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Letters from Soldiers at Valley Forge, 1777-1778

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1. Letters from Lieutenant William Barton of the Fourth and later the First New Jersey Regiment to his father, Gilbert Barton of Allentown, NJ

Whitemarsh, Nov 22. 1777

“…I expected to have been at home before this, but cannot Obtain leave Until we go into Quarters, I have sent some clothes by Mr. Griggs which is one pair of Breaches two Jackets three pr Stockings…l am removed from the company I was in which was Capt. Lyon’s and am know in Capt. Holmes Compy. as first Lieut, there are many officers resigning which is Like to make a Great deal of Promotion…my love to my Mother Sisters & all inquiring friends…”

Camp Valley Forge, Feb. 18th 1778

“…I should wrote oftener but have been in expectation of Coming home but this day find my expectations blasted, and have no manner of hope to get home untill April…I have Received my Coat & boots by Capt. Weycoff and am Inform’d you have procured me some shirts which I am Extremely Glad of as l shall be in Great need of them in a short time. I’me at this Present time in health, and hope these may find you all in Perfect health, if to the reverse at any time Please to give me intelligence Thireof and I shall come home at all Events. I have not Receiv’d a Letter from you since at home, should be very Glad to be favour’d with a few lines if Convenient and Likewise a few pounds of Sugar and A little Chocolate…there is a scarcity of those articles in this Place…Camp does not very well agree with me…”

Just six days later, Barton’s friend Lt. John Blair of the 3rd New Jersey wrote for him, Barton being in dire straits according to Blair.

Valley Forge, Feb. 24th 1778

“By request of your Son Wm. Barton I embrace the opportunity of Informing you that he is very unwell these ten Days and no appearance of getting any better, and is very Desirous that you would send a Wagon or Cheare for him as he is too weak to Ride a horseback, he likewise beggs that you would appeal to Colo. Brearely to Write to Major Cumming to give him leave to go home as Genl. Orders is very strict against any Officer ever leaving Camp. Mr. Willm. Desires his Love to you & his Mother & Sisters…”

In fairness to Barton, it should be noted that this period was one of unusually severe weather and extreme shortage of provisions.

Elizabethtown NJ, 1 July 1778

“After congratulating you Upon the Grand news of the arrival of the french Ambassador…and war being certainly Declared as the french have Taken several of the Enemies Vessels…I inform you that there is an Exchange of Prisoners Taking Place at this Time; four or five hundred have already been Exchanged…among them are several from our Regt. Taken at the Action of Short hills & some others that was taken at Monmouth…our Prisoners look very Healthy and say they have been well Treated since the Declaration of a French war…I am Inclin’d to believe that this present campaign will End the war in america, when every one that has been Ingaged in the Glorious cause may Return to their abode and see his Country flourishing in peace and plenty…”

2. Letter from Ezra Selden, Adjutant and Captain in the First Connecticut Regiment, to Doctor Samuel Mather, Lyme, Connecticut.

Valley Forge, May 15, 1778.

“Agreeable to your desires I do myself the honor of writing you, though nothing material occurs.

The welcome news which Mr. Dean brought us from Europe gave great Joy to our army. his Excellency Directed three Feu de Joys, one for ye Thirteen United States. One for France and One for other Friendly European powers. After dismissing the Soldiery He Directed the Assembling of the Officers of the whole army and entertained them with as good a Dinner as could under our Situation in the Field be provided, after which they were served with wine &c. At the same time, his Excellency gave the Toasts which were Proclaimed by his Aid de Camp who ascended a high step for that purpose; after a sufficient merriment his Excellency retired, Desiring the Officers to be very attentive to their Duty as the Intelligence which he had required it.

Our Army is at present very busy and intent upon a New mode of Exercise Pointed by Major General Baron Stuben from Poland. His knowledge in Discipline is very great, his method of maneuvering is very Difficult; but mostly satisfactory, he never informs what is to be Done in future; but gives Lessons and we Practice untill he gives new Directions; he allows no musick while we are manuevering, or does he ever allow us to be steping upon our Posts, but at the word march to step right off and allways with the left foot. Our manuel Exercise as yet continues the same – excepting in the Charging the Bayonet.

…the Enemy are about leaving Philadelphia. Inhabitence & Deserters inform that they have their Heavy Artillery on Board their Shiping, reports also are that they will attack us Prior to their leaving the City. Reports are Reports. Genl. Howe has not sailed for England unless within 3 or 4 Days. Our Incampment is strongly fortified and Picqueted, I have no suspicions that we shall be attacked in Quarters.

This is a very Different Spirit in the Army to what their was when I left it, the Troops considerably well Cloathed, But then the Cloathing which they have lately Received, is such as ought to have been worn last winter, not the Summer.

Gen. McIntosh is appointed to the Command of Fort Pit and the Back settlements & c.

I am content should they remove almost any General Except his Excellency… even Congress are not aware of the Confidence The Army Places in him or motions would never have been made for Gates to take the Command….”

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Valley Forge

In the winter of 1777 and 1778, George Washington commanded 12,000 soldiers to fight against the British at Valley Forge. Valley Forge, 18 miles outside of Philadelphia, American soldiers are having the worst times of their lives. The British have taken American land and have started taxing the Americans on almost everything.

The Americans are angry with the British and have started the Revolutionary War. Even though the Patriots are struggling, they should not have quit because they are fighting for independance, their country, help was on the way, and the soldiers had a five out of six chance of living. First, the soldiers shouldn’t have quit because the Americans wanted independence and they were fighting for their country. The Patriots who were at Valley Forge were strong and not “Sunshine Soldiers” or “Summertime Patriots” (D).The British were taxing the Americans on everything, so the Americans decided to do something and get their country back to themselves. Again, the Patriots shouldn’t have quit because if they wanted independence, they had to fight for it.

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Next, congressmen from Philadelphia were on the way to help the Continental Army. The committee of five congressmen stayed several weeks at Valley Forge and helped get more food and clothing for the Patriots (B). Later, news came that the French were coming to support the Patriots. The challenged Americans were getting support from the Continental Congress and later the French, so that may have encouraged some of the soldiers to stay at Valley Forge. Lastly, the soldiers at Valley Forge shouldn’t have quit because only one person died out of every six.

At the camp, one person died out of every six because of sickness or hypothermia. A total of four thousand people died at Valley Forge from December of 1777 to February 1778 (B).Even though the Patriot camp was full of conflicts and many people were sick and dying, some strong soldiers pulled through the cold and sickness at Valley Forge. Despite the fact that the soldiers at Valley Forge were sick and dying, they were fighting for their country, the French were coming to help, and five out of every six people lived, the soldiers should not have quit at Valley Forge. With these three reasons, this lead to America winning the war against the British.

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