Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1846-01-07
SCENE OF THE REVOLUTION.
BY MRS. sIGouRNEY

Patriotism is to be willing to make sacrifices and
endure hardships for our country. History gives Z
many instances where property has been devoted ant
life itself laid down to aid in lberating their native
land from oppression. Patriots often become ustr
Gus by their Deeds and their names are conspicuous
in the annals of history. Yet, there is much true
patriotism on humber scale, which never wins the
notice of the world. An instance of this, am going
to relate you.
During the contest between Great Britain and the
United States, which is called the Revolutionary
War, our army endured many hardships especially
in the severe winter with which the year l779 clos
ed, and that of 1850 began. They were then sta
toned at Morristown New Jersey.
l once knew a soldier of the Revolution. His
head was white as if covered with snow. He filled
respectable rank in society, and was beloved for
kindness of heart and piety. He gratifed that
asked him for tales of other days; and he told me
the following story of the winter at Morristown.
Early in the month ofNovember ITS, said he, our
army, under General Washington, left the vicinity
of Hudson river, and the White plains, to GO into
winter quarters. Snow had already fallen, that
we had the prospect of dreary season. The roads
were in most uncomfortable state, from rains and
melting SHOWS, and we marched four days with feet
and limbs continually wet and cold. We reached
Morristown weary and wayworn, and were permitted
the first night to sleep in the houses and barns of
the inhabitants.
The next morning early, we were ordered two
miles northward, to thick dense forest to cut down
trees, and build huts to shelter during the winter
Almost every day snow fell, and the cold was ex-
IRENE. We slept on the frozen ground, wrapt in
single blanket. We worked hard to complete our
novels of logs. In about week they were ready to
admit their tenants. We took possession of those
rude harnesses with more pleasure than king en-
tiers his palace for we better knew the value of shell
ter from storm.
We now hoped to pass in quietness, the drcary
moths till spring should call forth to the service
of our country. But great trials awaited u.s. Ere
long, the provision began to fail. The severe cold
had frozen much earlier than usual the waters OF the
Hudson and the Delaware so that no supply could
arrive by boats. New Jersey was not able, for any
length of time to provide, from her own resources
for such multitude. Our daily allowance OF food
was reduced to one half, then to one fourth Only
four ounces of Bread and four of meat, were served
were intense. Still the affecting scarcity grew more
severc-this scanty pittance at length only dealt
out once in two days: But the suffering was borne
with astonishing patience. The half famished sold
iers sustained themselves with the love of their
try and the hope of better times. Some even strove
by amusing and playful conversation, to keep up the
spirits of their comrades. Yet deeper trial
served for u.s. Four bitter days and nights not
morsel of food was given out. The strongest men
became weak, and the voices of the more feeble grew
so weak as scarcely to be audible. But there was
no murmuring. We felt it to be the poverty OF our
beloved country we were sharing, and believed
that, in Gods good time relief would come
After the dreadful abstinence of four days, some
wheat was obrained. One gill of raw wheat was the
portion of each soldier. We FASTENED to boil and
eat it. drinking also the water in which it had been
boiled.
While we were devouring this food gun was
heard within the encampment. A lean, miserable
dog had wandered thther; the poor animal was i'm
shot and cooked for some of the officers,
who were SO reduced by famine to be thankful OF
such repast. Another fast of four days ensued,
rendered more painful by extreme cold, which threat
ened to turn every thing into ice.
On the fifth morning, before the sun arose, ma
estic man was seen, with the bride of his horse
around his arm. He afectionately asked each sol
lier how he Jared. 1t was Washington Tears es-
.aped from his eyes at the sight of sorrow. Only
The night before had he learned their full extent-l
Ere the dawn he FASTENED, notwithstanding the ter
-ible cold, to visit us. His countenance and words
revealed the deepest sympathy. AT the sight his
distress, MANY cheerful voices exclalmed-General
we do not complain we can bear this longer If 1t Is
he will of Heaven. We are ready to defend our
country whenever you cali to the field. This pa
fence and patriotism affected Washington still more
leenly He could scarcely command his voice as he
banked and blessed them. He assured them that IL |
were in the power of man relief should be sent te
hem before the close of the day.
A little past noon the stewards call was heard 10
he camp We rushed to the spot. To each of us
vas weighed out four ounces of beef free from the
zones as possible Overcome by the fierceness of APP
,ette, some swallowed it raw as soon it reached
heir hands, On the following day received four
ounces of bread, and much in the same manner, our
God continued to be regular tho scaniy distributed
Until winter was passed. and spring recalled us to our
rails and pers yet scarcity of provisions was not
he only cause of our sufferings at Morristown.-I
The weather was fearfully severe and our clothing
Id and insufficient Snow for a long time co.efed
be ground to the depth CT three or four feet. Du-
;r moro than six weeks not the least thawing was