Valley Forge Rations

 

 

A good video on the type of rations for troops at Valley Forge.  The major problem for Washington during the Revolution was not the British;  his chief dilemma was keeping his army from dissolving from lack of food and clothes.  The American economy was in near collapse throughout the Revolution, due to the disruptions caused by military operations, the British blockade of the ports held by the Americans, the seizure of major ports by the British, rampant inflation caused by the currency issued by Congress, the infamous Continental, lacking any security other than a promise of payment in gold if the Americans miraculously won their struggle, and this had a major impact on the ability of Congress to keep the troops supplied.  It must also be stated that Congress, the states and much of the American people were often shamefully neglectful of the troops struggling against the odds to win their lop-sided conflict against the mightiest empire in the world.

At Valley Forge Washington wrote,   “that unless some great and capital change suddenly takes place … this Army must inevitably … Starve, dissolve, or disperse, in order to obtain subsistence in the best manner they can.”   Some 2000 of Washington’s 12000 troops would die before the winter encampment ended, dying from disease, little food and inadequate clothing.  Instead of dissolving however, the troops trained, being taught how to manuever on the battlefield through the drill drummed into them by General Von Steuben who joined the army during the winter.  By the time the army took the field and fought the British at Monmouth, the ragged Continentals were able to stand toe to toe against the best regiments in the British army.

December 4, 1783: Washington Says Farewell to His Officers

 

Washington had said farewell to the Continental Army on November 2, 1783 and now he was saying goodbye to the officers who had been closest to him.  They had emerged victorious, against the odds, in an eight year long war.  Now they were going home.  The emotion of that meeting needs no elaboration.  Unlike many victorious revolutionary armies, the Continental Army would not be used as a tool to seize or keep political power.  Instead, it would simply fade away, its mission accomplished, immortal in the memory of the American people, conscious of a vast debt owed to the veterans of that Army, living and dead.

 

 

 

Washington’s Farewell to His Troops

 

(I originally posted this on June 14, 2014 over at The American Catholic.  I assume the history mavens of Almost Chosen People will enjoy it.)

June 14 is not only Flag Day but also the birthday of the United States Army.  On June 14, 1775 the Second Continental Congress voted to adopt the militia army besieging Boston as the army of the United Colonies.  George Washington was appointed by Congress as Commander in Chief of the newly formed Continental Army the next day.  After eight years of lop sided struggle, during which the troops of the Continental Army endured hardships literally unbelievable to most twenty-first century Americans, Washington and his Continentals emerged victorious.  Washington in his farewell order thanked the troops, and, I think, put down in words what they had accomplished so that future generations of Americans could remember.  Here is the text of Washington’s Farewell to the men who, through God’s mercy, won American liberty:

 

 

Rock Hill, near Princeton, November 2, 1783.

The United States in Congress assembled after giving the most honorable testimony to the merits of the faederal Armies, and presenting them with the thanks of their Country for their long, eminent, and faithful services, having thought proper by their proclamation bearing date the 18th. day of October last. to discharge such part of the Troops as were engaged for the war, and to permit the Officers on furlough to retire from service from and after to-morrow; which proclamation having been communicated in the publick papers for the information and government of all concerned; it only remains for the Comdr in Chief to address himself once more, and that for the last time, to the Armies of the U States (however widely dispersed the individuals who compose them may be) and to bid them an affectionate, a long farewell.

But before the Comdr in Chief takes his final leave of those he holds most dear, he wishes to indulge himself a few moments in calling to mind a slight review of the past. He will then take the liberty of exploring, with his military friends, their future prospects, of advising the general line of conduct, which in his opinion, ought to be pursued, and he will conclude the Address by expressing the obligations he feels himself under for the spirited and able assistance he has experienced from them in the performance of an arduous Office.

A contemplation of the compleat attainment (at a period earlier than could have been expected) of the object for which we contended against so formidable a power cannot but inspire us with astonishment and gratitude. The disadvantageous circumstances on our part, under which the war was undertaken, can never be forgotten. The singular interpositions of Providence in our feeble condition were such, as could scarcely escape the attention of the most unobserving; while the unparalleled perseverence of the Armies of the U States, through almost every possible suffering and discouragement for the space of eight long years, was little short of a standing miracle.