The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1882-10-06
INCIDENT OF THE REVOLUTION.
BY MISS AMELIA THRoPP.

BY MISS AMELIA THROPP.
There is little incident connected with
the history of the Revolution which occurred
in the year 177S, at Valley Forse, to which
there has not been as much publicity given
as it justly merits. We are all familiar with
the terrible suffering endured by our army
at Valley Forge during that severe winter,
one of the coolest experienced for many
years. 1t was through the most intense suf-
ferine this winter was passed by that band
of patriots who risked all that we might be
free. Brave heroes OF liberty The recol-
lection 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 better, but
constantly worse. There was no hope for
tomorrow, and each tomorrow was ushered
in with greater distress. The hopes of the
bravest began to falter, the feet of the strong
est, to grow weaker. Overcome with sick
ness and fatigue, the bravest saw that their
only refuge was in death, and many in des-
pair cried out. Save US, Lord, or we perish. 8"
Over rock and hillside, down through hill,
valley and ravine the feeble sound was ech-
oed. On day when the sun shone brightly
and the clear blue background more beauti-
full than usual, there appeared upon the hori-
zOn bright speck like cloud, which ap-
peared to have come to dim the beauty of
that clear winter sky. The sick dragged
themselves to watch: while the keener OBJ
servers noticed that the cloud moved, not
away from that suffering band, but nearer,
and shaped itself into small caravan as on
ward it came-onl on and over the snowy
frosty road. Presently they heard the creak-
ing sounds of wheels, when, 10 to their ca
ger gaze appeared ten wagons filed with
food and clothing, each drawn by two oxen,
and driven by women. On they came, slow
ly over the frosty road, patiently plOdding to
save their loved ones, the soldiers of Valley
Forge. The women Of Philadelphia had, out
Of their Own incomes, filled these wagons
with supplies, among which were bundles of
their own handiwork. These consisted of
two thousand shirts, cut out and made by
their own delicate fingers. Other things
we're in proportion, all done by these noble,
patient women to save their liberators. The
poor soldiers had nearly lost all hope; death
appeared inevitable, when, 10 could it be
T
away upon those bleak hills. Yes, those ten
wagons were driven by noble, seIf-sacrffcing
women, who came to save them from starva-
ton.
+ The sick dragged themselves to the doors
/ of their miserable huts TO look out through
/ the cold frosty air at their deliverers. Tears
rolled down their cheeks and the sick and
suffering all Joined in a loud shout of JOY, ex-
/ claiming, "God bless our deliverers, the wo-
/ men of Philadelphia - Over hills and down
through the valleys the sound went ringing.
On through time on until eternity will the
sound of praises echo in memory of that no.
bic band who saved the Amy at Valley
/ Forge. Those women who asked no reward
nor solicited any praise. 1t was on an er.
rand of mercy, for their hearts were tender
and their love was strong. We still have
reason to cry out, God bless the women OF
Philadelphia - and all over the land, for
their good works, the noble enterprises in
which they are constantly engaged. There
are many noble workers who are willing TO.
day to make personal sacrifices for the good
Of humanity. The same blood courses thro'
their veins, actuated by the same spirit that
inspired that noble band who saved from
starvation the heroes of the noble Revolu-
ton, the army Of Valley Forge. Time will
record their good act. 1t will be written
upon the pages of eternity. Long after the
traces of those bleak hills of Valley Forge
shall be blOtted out, and not a trace Of the
foundations of fort or tent left, will it be
fresh and green in The halls of memory
/ That generation which has passed away has
! loft itS record Sacrpd in the hearts of ali -
Their bodies have long since moldered to
dust, but their spirits have ascended, and
they have been crowned in glory by Hin
who has recorded their good deeds and pro
nOunced their work tUelI done