The state herald., 1914-07-03

Rk&kM are left unrecognized There are
public records Of them. even
their quarters that had been the shelter Of the
needy, the stage OF the Conway cabal (that was
one OF the remarkable and dramatic Incidents of
the war), the cradle of the first aid to the In
tured. and the setting for love affair OF one Of
the first presidents of the United States,
not included in the state reservation and taken
under its protection, but is fast falling into decay
to the shame and dishonor of the guardians who
are neglecting of the two houses at Valley
Forge that historically noteworthy. and for q
puerile reason unworthy of a great common
wealth.
This little farmers house was the headquarters
of Major General Lord Stirling, of the most
gallant and loyal American soldiers. Born and
bred In New York. he had inherited title from
his Scotch ancestors. Just at the breaking out of
the Revolution. He had served major and aide
de-camp TO General Shirley at the time of Gen
eral Braddocks defeat He had been in every
battle fought against the British in New York
and New Jersey, and was General Washington's
most trusted general, is proved by the numer-
Gus letters still preserved in the New York His
torical society. The headquarters of this gentle
man shared by his brave wife and daughter.
who abandoned their beautiful home at Basking-
ridge on the hills of New Jersey, and with the
men contended with the dscomforts and trials
of the celebrated winter spent in the wind-swept
valley the outskirts of civilization as bravely
any soldier. officer general.
To these herones OF Valley Forge history
points, cenotaphs raised even their deeds
are only traditional and crystallized in the memo
ries OF few lovers of bravery, selfsacrihce and
feminine devotion
II was early in the season when II WAS decided
to camp near Philadelphia, and the army under
General Washington collected Mt Valley
Forge. when Lord Stirling wrote to his wife
treating her TO join him there as his duties de-
tanned him with his men, but he had been prom
fsed comfortable quarters and he had no idea of
tho smallness OF the house and its numerous dis
comforts For II was great demand to make
Of the delicately nurtured women. who had been
reared at the luxurious Livingston manor house.
on the Hudson river or In Mr. Livngstons com.
Portable house In New York. But Lady Stirling
wisely determined that her place was by her
husbands side. with a full star OF servants
ffor she foresaw the demands that would be
made on her hospitality she and her daughter.
Catherine started in the great family coach.
drawn by four gray horses. for the long drive
over the Jersey hills to Pennsylvania.
When they reached their destination they found
n small farmers cottage had been assigned TO
Lord Stirling for his quarters. II the
farthest house from General washinctons head.
was a damp and lonely spot. and quite Inadequate
for the accommodation OF family and servants.
But with unfaing good humor and the capability
OF splendid housewives. the ladies coped with
tho situation and made the house ready for win.
tor. They filled long flannel bags with earth and
placed them against the door sills and the loose
iy lt,ing sashes to keep out the wind. so the
house could be more readily kept warm. They
pasted muslin the walls and hung curtains
before the windows for the purpose. Then
they sent 20 Baskingridge for many loads OF
hickory wood before the roads became choked
with snow. for fuel was scarce and the soldiers
reauisiuoned all that there was to be found in
the neighborhood
General Washington welcomed them gladly and
at once requested that they would assist him TO
entertain the various people who daily visited
tho camp. either for political purposes. business
curiosity.
Lady Strings household was composed OF her
husband and his aide, Dr. Enoch Edwards. whose
name will be recognized by many OF his descend
ants In philadelphia today. Then there was
Lady Kitty and her friend. Miss Nanny Browne.
tho orphaned granddaughter OF Governor Brock
hoist. and these DANES may well be called the
horoincs OF Valley Forge. although their minister.
ings and surerings found no recognition in the
man-~rittcn chronicles OF that fearsome winter.
Chrtstmnr passed sadly with little merrymaking
or good cheer and daily the surerings OF the III
clad. badly lyhoused soldiers were forced the
attention OF the women. for the reports OF the
medical men became more and moro distressing
Thsrv were no comfortable hospitals. trnIned
nurves or even necessary clothing. bandagcs and
lint for tho poor fellows Lady Stirling and her
daughter were no strangers TO the sick room;
both were capable nurses and had learned from
an old Indian woman many snlvca and remedies
made from herbs simpcs not tho lcast OF
which wns the celebrated Seneca OIL st. Johns
wort lotion and rnttlcrnako grease. all OF which
thoy had provided Themselves with before leaving
home. Without hesitation these brave women
arranged division OF work among them. for II
foil entirely on their individual efforts. since the
whole country wnr ovcrburdcncd and thero wns
no relief TO bs obtained from mn organised san
sAry commission or red cross nssociation. ouis'
y and unostcntatioasy tho three ladies' divided
the work among them To DO what was possible
20 alleviate the Increasing horrors about them.
To Lady Kitty was assigned daily visit To the
camp whils the delicate Misn Nanny scwcd or