Database: Valley Forge (Newspaper)

Continental Army suffers deprivations.

Encamped a scant twenty miles from Philadelphia, Gen. Washington’s army struggles in harsh winter. After the Battle of Brandywine defeat at Brandywine, the Continental Army suffered humiliation as Congress fled Philadelphia in advance of Royal troops. The Redcoats subsequently marched upon and occupied our patriot capitol. Soon after, miseries were increased with the lamentable Battle of Germantown defeat at Germantown.

Gen. Washington has now located his army at a place called Valley Forge south of the Schuylkill River where the high ground of Mounts Joy and Misery provide for easy defense. However, the Patriots must contend with starvation and want of clothing and shelter. Indeed, the General has set them to the building of huts with logs. He promises twelve dollars to reward the party in each regiment which finishes their hut in the quickest and most workmanlike manner.

But under several inches of snow, the soldiers are hard pressed to complete their task. The lack of food and clothing has led to the outbreak of disease, with many succumbing to dysentery and typhus. Indeed, hundreds have died among the some eleven thousand troops. Only their undiminished loyalty to the cause of independence and to Gen. Washington himself has kept them alive.

The arrival of military adviser Frederik von Steuben to drill and train the men in correct formations and manoeuvres as well as the considerable number of wives and children that have joined the camp and who forage for food and wood have considerably enlivened the general morale.