The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1846-07-09
THE DARK WINTER.
FROM SCENES OF THE REVOLUTION.

I once knew soldier orthe Revol utlor.
His head was white, as 1t co7erc9 win
snow. He filled respectable rank IN so.
cie,v and was beloved for kindness OF
hear, aud piety. He was gratifed that |
asked for tai les of olher days: and he told
me the following story Of the winter al
MorristoWn
Elrly in the month of November, l779,
SAID he, our army under Genera Wash
inoton, left the vicinity ofthe Hudson riv-
er, and the While Palms, TO go to winter
quarters. Suow had already fallen, so
that we had The prospect of dIeary sea-
son. The roads were in most uncom>
Portable state from rain and melting SHOWS,
and we marched for four days with feet
and limbs continually wet and cold. We
reached Morristown weary and wayWorn,
and were permitted the first nigh! 10 sleep
in the houses aud barns oil the inhabitants
The next morning early, we were orders
ed two miles norlhward, to a thick dense
forest, to cut down trees and build huts 10
shelter US through The winter. Almost
every day the snow fell and he cold was
extreme. We slept on the frozen ground
wrapt in a single blanket. We worked
hard to complete our novels of logs. In
about a week they were ready to admit
their tenants. We took possession ofthcir
rude darkness with more joy and saisfac>
tion than a king enters his palace, for we
better knew the value OF shelter, from a
storm. We now hoped to pass in quiets
ness, the dreary months, till spring should
call us forth 10 the service Of our coun-
try.
But greater trials awaited US. Erelong
the provision began to fail The severe
cod had frozen much earlier than usual
the waters OF the Hudson and Delaware,
so that no supply could arrive by boats.
New Jersey was not able. for any length
of time. to provide from her own resour-
cess for such multitude. Our daily ais
lowances Of food was reduced one half,
then to one fourth. Only four ounces Of
bread and four Of meat, were served to
each man fer "a hours. The cravings Of
hunger were intense. Sill the affecting
scarcity grew more severe--lAis pittance
at length only dealt out an ounce in two
days. But The suffering was borne with
astonishing patience. The half famished
soldiers sustained themselves with the love
of their country and the hopes of Better
times. Some even stroye by amusing and
playful conversation, to keep up the spirits
of comrades. Yeta deeper trial was re-
served for US, Four bitter winter days
and nights not morsel Of food was given
out. The strongest men became weak,
aud The voice Of the feeble grew so weak
rs scarcely to be audible. But there was
no murmuring. We felt it 10 be the pow
erty of our beloved country we were shar>
inc, and believe that in Gods time relief
would come.
After this dreadful abstinence of four
days. some wheat was obtained. One gill
of raw wheat was The portion Of each SOL
der. We FASTENED to boil and eat it,drink
inc also the water in which it had been
boiled.
While we Were devouring this food, a
gun was heard within the encampmenr.
A lean, miserable dog had wandered lhith-
cr the poor animal was Immediately shot
and cooked for some Of the officers, who
were so reduced by famine as TO be
thankful Gor such repast. Another fast
Of four days easued, rendered more painful
by extreme cold which threatened 10 turn
every thing into ice.
Ga the fifth morning, before the sun a.
rose, majestic man was seen, with the
bride OF his horse around bis arm. He
aaeclionalely asked each solder how he
Jared |! was Washington. Tears es-
capped his eyes, at the sight Of our sorrows.
Ooly the night before had he learned their
full extent Ere the dawn he fastened,
Notwithstanding the terrible cold, TO visit
us. Ills counlenQnce and words revealed |
Inc deepest sympathy Atthe sight ofh
distress, many cheerful voices exclaimed,
General we do not complain, we can |
bear this longer if it's the will of Heavcnl
We are ready 10 defend our country when.
ever you call Us to the field. This pa
thence and patriotism affected Washington |
still more keeny, He could scarcely COM
mand his voice, as he thanked and bles-
sed them. He assured them that if ii was
in his power, relief should be sent them
before the close Of day,
A lIte past noon the Stewards call was
heard through the camp. We rushed to
the spot. TO each of US was weighed oul
four ounces of beef as free from The bone
US possible. Overcome by the ferceness
Of appetite, some swallowed il raw as ii
reached their hands.
Ga the following day We received four
ounces Of bread, and much il the same
manner, our food continued to be regular,
though scantiIy distributed, until winter
was past, the spring recalled US TO our tri-
ais and perils. Yet scarcity of provisions
was not the only cause of our suffering at
Morrisown. The weather was fearfuIy
severe and our clothing old and unsu6i-