Terrible living conditions, few necessities and surviving in freezing weather with little assistance. Sounds like how the United States government treats some homeless citizens. However these are the hardships the Colonial soldiers at Valley Forge had to endure with little chance of a successful outcome. After failed attempts by the Continental Army during the American Revolution in New York and Boston, the soldiers lead by Washington decided to establish a winter camp at Valley Forge. Unaware of the incredible struggles to come, the army set up with high hopes. Many soldiers quickly quit due to conditions at Valley Forge. Given these conditions, would I have reenlisted in the Continental Army? I would have quit the army and likely never reenlist due to terrible weather conditions and being minimally aided by surrounding businesses.
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To many, leaving the Army is treason, however at times with hardships like these, safety is a greater outcome than suffering. In the painting by William Henry Powell titled Committee of Congress at Valley Forge (Document B) it is clear of extremely cold weather and improper equipment. The ground is covered in snow multiple inches high in what appears to be a large open field. In the painting the soldier three men away from Washington appears to have broken shoes exposing his bare feet to the freezing snow. Many people from the 1700's to now can agree that if they were offered those conditions or a warm house in the Winter they would almost always choose the house. The Diary of Albigence Waldo (Document C) shows a disturbing reality of any soldier attempting to endure the harsh conditions set forth for them. In this Document Connecticut surgeon Albigence Waldo documented his expressed grievances about the conditions including "Cold weather...fatigue...hard lodging." Later on in his entry he states "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..." This surgeons documentation of his life at the camp uncovers a disturbing reality of attempting to survive freezing cold winters with terrible housing and little to no clothes suited with the existing conditions. However, many people will state that it was the winter, conditions were terrible everywhere and illness was killing many throughout the nation. However 25 to 36% of those with illnesses at Valley Forge died because of it. With freezing weather, poorly built housing and very minimal proper attire, many soldiers at Valley Forge quit and is a massive reason why I, if put in those circumstances would have quit. Even through terrible conditions with very poorly prepared soldiers, many would believe outside businesses and even the government themselves would at least slightly assist to allow the soldiers to live. However, that rarely ever happened. The Continental Army had minimal aid from any outside organizations including businesses and government sources. Within Document A, Winter Quarters, illness rates and death rates increased by nearly 1,000 in a short three month span. Three months is near nothing compared to their entire camp however within three monts without receiving proper medications, clothing and basic human necessities from outside sources, the soldiers quickly began to fatigue. A simple way to state this is that if you tried living without any stores to buy from and was forced to make materials to live on from a harsh environment you would likely die after only a few months. This is exactly what happened to many Continental Army soldiers. In a document written by loyal Patriot Thomas Paine titled The American Crisis ( Document D), Paine expresses his view of Britain with phrases such as "Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered," and "Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny." These phrases show that if this is how they view their current government, then the tyrannical forces likely aren't assisting them in anyway. If one of the most wealthy and powerful forces won't help an Army survive inhumane conditions then the Army is at major risk for immense and steady weakening. Those who believe Valley Forge wasn't as terrible as many sources make it out to be would state that many businesses are Patriotic and would immediately help the soldiers.
To many, leaving the Army is treason, however at times with hardships like these, safety is a greater outcome than suffering. In the painting by William Henry Powell titled Committee of Congress at Valley Forge (Document B) it is clear of extremely cold weather and improper equipment. The ground is covered in snow multiple inches high in what appears to be a large open field. In the painting the soldier three men away from Washington appears to have broken shoes exposing his bare feet to the freezing snow. Many people from the 1700's to now can agree that if they were offered those conditions or a warm house in the Winter they would almost always choose the house. The Diary of Albigence Waldo (Document C) shows a disturbing reality of any soldier attempting to endure the harsh conditions set forth for them. In this Document Connecticut surgeon Albigence Waldo documented his expressed grievances about the conditions including "Cold weather...fatigue...hard lodging." Later on in his entry he states "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..." This surgeons documentation of his life at the camp uncovers a disturbing reality of attempting to survive freezing cold winters with terrible housing and little to no clothes suited with the existing conditions. However, many people will state that it was the winter, conditions were terrible everywhere and illness was killing many throughout the nation. However 25 to 36% of those with illnesses at Valley Forge died because of it. With freezing weather, poorly built housing and very minimal proper attire, many soldiers at Valley Forge quit and is a massive reason why I, if put in those circumstances would have quit. Even through terrible conditions with very poorly prepared soldiers, many would believe outside businesses and even the government themselves would at least slightly assist to allow the soldiers to live. However, that rarely ever happened. The Continental Army had minimal aid from any outside organizations including businesses and government sources. Within Document A, Winter Quarters, illness rates and death rates increased by nearly 1,000 in a short three month span. Three months is near nothing compared to their entire camp however within three monts without receiving proper medications, clothing and basic human necessities from outside sources, the soldiers quickly began to fatigue. A simple way to state this is that if you tried living without any stores to buy from and was forced to make materials to live on from a harsh environment you would likely die after only a few months. This is exactly what happened to many Continental Army soldiers. In a document written by loyal Patriot Thomas Paine titled The American Crisis ( Document D), Paine expresses his view of Britain with phrases such as "Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered," and "Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny." These phrases show that if this is how they view their current government, then the tyrannical forces likely aren't assisting them in anyway. If one of the most wealthy and powerful forces won't help an Army survive inhumane conditions then the Army is at major risk for immense and steady weakening. Those who believe Valley Forge wasn't as terrible as many sources make it out to be would state that many businesses are Patriotic and would immediately help the soldiers.