The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1914-07-03

WxN#a&MNW# are lett unrecORnlZeO. mere ara
no public records Of them, even
ahnir quarters that had been the shelter of the
moody. the stage OF the Conway cabal THAT was
OF the remarkable and dramatic Incidents of
tho war;, the cradle of the first aid to the IN
1ured and the setting for love affair Of one OF
the first presidents of the United States, was
NOT included in the state reservation and taken
under its protection but is fast falling into decay
10 The shame and dishonor Of the guardians who
ara neglecting one of the two houses at Valley
Forge that are historically noteworthy, and for a
puerile reason unworthy of a great common
wealth.
This little farmers house was the headquarters
81 Major General Lord Stirling one of the most
gallant and loyal American soldiers Born and
brod in New York, he had inherited title from
his Scotch ancestors just at the breaking out of
ihe Revolution. He had served as major and aide
aoeamp to General Shirley at the time of Gen.
oral Braddock's defeat He had been in every
hattie fought against the British in New York
and New Jersey, and General Washington's
most trusted general, is proved by the numer-
Das letters still preserved in the New York His
ser1cal society. The headquarters of this gentle
KHAN was shared by his brave wife and daughter,
who abandoned their beautiful home at Basking-
ridge on the hills of New Jersey, and with the
nen coEtended with the discomforts and trials
vi the celebrated winter spent in the wind-swept
valley the outskirts of civilization bravely
as any soldier, officer or general.
To these herones of Valley Forge no history
points no cenotaphs are raised even their deeds
arc only traditional and crystalized in the memo
y5es OF few lovers of bravery, self-sacrihce and
Sssninine devotion
n was early in the season when 1t was decided
20 camp near Philadelphia, and the army under
General Washington was collected at Valley
Forge. when Lord Stirling wrote to his wife en-
treating her to join him there. his duties de-
mined him with his men, but he had been prom
lsoA comfortable quarters and he had no idea of
SAe smallness Of the house and its numerous dis
eomforts. For It was great demand to make
sDf che delicately nurtured women, who had been
reared at the luxurious Livingston manor house,
On The Hudson river, or in Mr.. Livingstons COM
1Brtabie house in New York. But Lady Stirling
wisely determined that her place was by her
husbands side so with full staff of servants
flor 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
syer the Jersey hills to Pennsylvania.
When they reached their destination they found
a email farmers cottage had been assigned to
Lord Stirling for his quarters. 1t was the
farthest house from General Washngton's head
quarters, under hillside and near creek. It
@Rs a damp and lonely spot. and quite inadequate
for the accommodation Of family and servants.
But with unfailing good humor and the capablity
u splendid housewives, the ladies COPIED with
The situation and made the house ready for win
Ter. They filled long flannel bags with earth and
placed them against the door stills and the loose
~ ftting sashes to keep out the wind, so the
house could be more readily kept warm. They
pasted muslin on the walls and hung curtains
before the windows for the same purpose. Then
22ey sent to Baskngridge for many loads Of
hickory wood before the roads became choked
I'm for f,,a1 xuoo md fhn
reQuisitioned all that there was to be found in
sho neighborhood
General Washington welcomed them gladly and
af once requested that they would assist him to
ratertain the various people who daily visited
no 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
xaiB in Philadelphia today. Then there was
lady Kitty and her friend Miss Nanny Browne
Ghs orphaned granddaughter OF Governor Brock
hoist and these danes may well be called the
Asroines of Valley Forge although their minister
ahgs and sufferings found no recognition in the
axnJi-written chronicles of that fearsome winter
Christmas passed sadly with little merrymaking
or good cheer and daily the sufferings Of the i'll
e7ad badlyhoused soldiers we're 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
Mnf for the 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 salves and remedies
mAde from herbs or simples. not the least of
winch was the celebrated Seneca oil, st. Johns
wort lotion and rattlesnake grease, all of which
9f1Uy had provided themselves with before leaving
home. Without hesitation these brave women
arranged a division of work among them, for it
E6l entirely on their individual efforts, since the
whole country was overburdened and there was
no relief to be obtained from an organized SAM
aAyy commission or red cross association. Quiet
~ and unostentatiously the three ladies divided
mo work among them to do what was possible
70 alleviate the increasing horrors about them.
TO Lady Kitty was assigned daily visit to the
zxyrp while the delicate Miss Nanny sewed or