The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1914-07-03

I'm starving and clothed the naked,
are left unrecognized. There ara
no public records Of them, even
GE6fr quarters that had been the shelter OF the
needy the stageSof the Conway cabal Chat was
OnD Of the remarkable and dramatic incidents OF
th0 war), the cradle Of the first aid to the In
lured and the setting for love affair Of one OF
ne frst presidents of the United States, was
not Included in the state reservation and taken
mnder its protection but is fast falling into decay,
10 the shame and dishonor of the guardians who
arc neglecting one of the two houses at Valley
Forge that are historically noteworthy. and for
pnREle reason unworthy Of a great common
wealth M
This little farmers house was the headquarters
81 Major General Lord Stirling, one Of the most
gallant and loyal American soldiers. Born and
fred in New York, he had inherited title from
HIS Scotch ancestors. just at the breaking out OF
ahe Revolution. He had served as major and aide
aecamp to General Shirley at the time of Cen
eral Braddocks defeat. He had been In every
Battle fought against the British in New York
md New. Jersey, and was General Washington's
zl1st trusted general as is proved by the numer-
NRs letters still preserved In the New York His
sDrlcal society, The headquarters Of this gentle
mnn was shared By his brave wife and daughter,
wAo abandoned their beautiful home at Basking-
ridge on the hills Of New Jersey and with the
zen cOrtended with the discomforts and trials
a. the celebrated winter spent In the wind-swept
valley on the outskirts OF civilization as bravely
M any soldier, Ofncers or general.
10 these heroines Of Valley Forge no history
yofnts. no cenotaphs are raised even their deeds
are only traditional and crystallzed in the memo
1BeB OF few lovers of bravery, sef-sacrifce and
aazmlnine devotion.
N was early in the season when 1t was decided
% camp near philadelphia, and the army under
General Washington was collected at Valley
Tsrgs. when Lord Stirling wrote to his wife en-
naatfng her to join him there, as his duties de-
e41ned him with his men, but he had been prom
hed comfortable quarters, and he had no idea Of
- BmaIlness OF the house and its numerous dis
elnforts. For It was q great demand to make
q the delicately nurtured women, who had been
HsaTed at the luxurious Livingston manor house,
0asthe Hudson river, or in Mr.. Livingston's com
E1rtab1e house II New York. But Lady Stirling
wisely determined that her place was by her
Ansbands side, so with full star Of servants
e1sF she foresaW the demands that would be
Mlade on her hospitality she and her daughter,
Catherine, started in the great family coach.
drawn by four gray horses, for the long drive
Syer the Jersey hills to Pennsylvania
when they reached their destination they found
a small farmers cottage had been assigned to
Lard Stirling for his quarters. 1t was the
Garthest house from General Washingtons head
quarters. under hillside and near creek It
ww damp and lonely spot and, quite inadequate
NDr the accommodation of family and servants
BMR with unfailing good humor and the capability
9R splendid housewives, the ladies' coped with
nar. They Allied long flannel bags with earth and
paneed them against the door stills and the loose
~ fitting sashes to keep out the wind, so the
house could be more readily kept warm. They
pasted muslin on the walls and hung curtains
Dafore the windows for the same purpose. Then
nay sent to Baskingridge for many loads OF
nsekOry wood before the roads became choked
YIN snow, for fuel was scarce, and the soldiers
npqnisitioned all that there was to be found in
zhe neighborhood
e once requested that they would assist him TO
entertain the various people who daily visited
me camp. either for political purposes, business
- curiosity. kss ss,
Lady SArling's household was composed Of her
husband and his aide, DR.. Enoch Edwards, whose
name win be recognized BY many Of his descend
mmfs in Philadelphia today. Then there was
Rndy Kitty and her friend, Miss Nanny Browne,
Ml9 orphaned granddaughter OF Governor Brock
Apzgf, and these danes may well be called the
MegUfnes of Valley Forge, although their minister
MBgs and sufferings found recognition in the
masn-written chronicles of that fearsome winter.
Christmas passed sadly with little merrymaking
@r good cheer, and daily the sunerings Of the ill
clad. badly-housed soldiers were forced on the
attention OF the women, for the reports of the
medical men became more and more distressing.
There were no comfortable hospitals trained.
nurses or even necessary clothing. bandages and
nat for the poor fellows. Lady Stirling and her
1aughter were no strangers to the sick room;
10Th were capable nurses and had learned from
N old Indian woman many salves and remedies
mnde from herbs or simples. not the least of
winch was the celebrated Seneca oil, st. Johns
Nura lotion and rattlesnake grease. all Of which
tAsg had provided themselves with before leaving
Anle Without hesitation these brave women
arranged a division Of work among them. for 1t
g.ll entirely on their individual efforts since the
whole country was overburdensd and there was
ID relief to be obtained from organized sanl
auy commission or red cross association. Quiet
b and unostentatiously the three ladies divided
~ work among them to do what was possible
- alleviate, the Increasing horrors about them.
70 Lady kitty was assigned daily visit 70 the
sA.nD. while the delicate Miss Nanny sewed or