Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1882-08-01
Incident of the Revolution.
WRITTEN FOR 1.-THE ENQUIRER" BY
MISS AMELIA THROPP.

There is a little incident connected
with the history of the Revolution,
which occurred in the year ITS. at Val
ley Forge, to which there has not been
as much publicity given as it justly
merits. We are all familiar with the
terrible sufferings endured by our army
at Valley Forge during that severe WIN.
ter. one of the coolest experienced 1or
many years. 1t was through the most
intense suffering this winter was passet1l
by that band of patriots who rlskeo al
that we might be free. Brave heroes OF
liberty! The recollection of their deeds
will echo through every hill and valley
over our land until time shall END IN
eternity. Their sufferings were great,
and endured with patience. Yet there
was no prospect of things growing pei
ter, but constantly worse. There was
no hope for tomorrow, and each To-
morrow was ushered in with greater us
tress. The hopes of the bravest began
to falter, the feet of the strongest TO
grow weaker. Overcome with Sickness
and fatigue, the bravest saw their only
refuge was in death, and many IN oe-
spair cried out, "Save us, Lord, or we
perish"
Over rock and hillside, down through
hill, valley and ravine the feeble SOUND
was echoed. On a day when the sun
shone brightly, and the clear blue back
ground more beautiful than us9al, there
appeared upon the horizon bright
speck like cloud, which appeared to
have come to dim the beauty or that
clear winter sky. The sick dragged
themselves to watch, while the keener
observers noticed that this cloud moved,
not away from that suffering band, but
nearer, and shaped itself into small
caravan as onward it came-On ! on and
over the snowy frosty road. Presently
they heard the creaking sounds OF
wheels, when, 10 to their eyer gaze ap
peared ten wagons filled with food and
clothing, each drawn by two oxen and
| driven by women. On they came, slow.
ly over the frosty road, patiently plod'
ding to save their loved ones, the sol
diers of Valley Forge The women o.
| Philadelphia had, out of their own in
comes, filled these wagons with supplies
among which were bundles of theil
own handiwork. These consisted of two
thousand shirts, cut out and made by
their own delicate fingers Other thing,
were in proportion. all done by thos'
noble, patient women, to save their lib
orators. The poor soldiers had nearly
lost all hope; death appeared inevitable
when, 10! could it be possible. relief Wa
coming to them SO far away on thos'
bleak hills. Yes; those ten wagon
were driven by noble. self sacrificing
women, who came to save them from
starvation.
| The sick dragged themselves to tn
ldoors of their miserable huts to look on
through the cold frost air at their deiiy
erers. Tears rolled down their cheeks
and the sick and suffering all Joined il
one loud shout Of joy, eXclaiEaing, "Go;
bless our deiverers, the women OF Phil
aielphia ~ Over the hills and dowi
through the valleys the sound wen
ringing. con through time, on unit
eternity viii the sound of praises ech'
in memory of that noble band who save;
the army at Valley Forge. Those wo
men who asked no reward nor solicited
praise. 1t was on an errand of mercy
! for their hearts were tender and thei
love was strong. We still have reason
to cry out, "God bless the women Q
I Philadelphia J" and all over the land
for their good works, the noble enter
prises in which they are constantly en-
gagged. There are many noble worker
| VINO are VIKING dO-day 10 make person.
al sacrifices for the good of humanity
The same blood courses through thei
veins, actuated by the same spirit tina
| inspired that noble band who savee
| from starvation the heroes Of the Revo
luton, the army Of Valley Forge Tim
will record their good act. 1t will b'
written on the pages of eternity. Long
after the traces on those bleak hills O
Valley Forge shall be blotted out, ans
not a trace of the foundations of fort O.
tent left, will it be fresh and green il
the halls of memory. That generation
which has passed away has left its rec
ord sacred in the hearts of all. Thei
bodies have long since moldered to dust
but their spirits have assembled, and thel
have been crowned in glory by Hin
who has recorded their good deeds ant
pronounced their work aOeW done