War at Valley Forge Plutarch stated, “The poor go to war, to fight and die for the delights, riches, and superfluities of others. ” The Continental Army at Valley Forge were for sure not treated with enough respect, support, and enthusiasm as it takes to win the war. Around half of the soldiers at Valley Forge, as I recall, were reported sick in the first few months. Also, the whole Army was not presented warm clothes and warm shelters. We only had one pair of socks, shoes, and everything, which got torn apart not far into the stay. British treatment and clothes were better than our army had.
Supplies for the Continental Army only lasted for about a month. Congress was of little help, as well as Americans back at home. I have decided to not re-enlist for three reasons which are the conditions of living, the little help from the people, and too many sicknesses and deaths. In 1773, I witnessed the Boston Tea Party, which was part of the cause of the Revolutionary War. The colonists were upset because of Britain’s awful rule, so they decided to fight back. Later on, when the Acts were made, the colonists got even more angry with Britain’s tight control.
When the Declaration of Independence was created in 1776, I was really excited, but I knew I would have to sign up for war. General Washington led the troops to set up our winter camp, Valley Forge. Valley Forge is located 18 miles outside of Philadelphia, where the winter camps for our Army was located. Our huts were of very low quality, because twelve soldiers slept on a pile of straw on the floor in one hut. We ran into a problem; it was too cold outside to have a chimney, but the forts soon began to be filled with smoke.
Back at home, a lot of the ladies, including my sister, had “scarlet fever”, the fascination of the British and their red coats. The first reason I will not re-enlist is how terrible the living conditions at Valley Forge are. I overheard Dr. Waldo talking to a soldier say, “My skin and eyes are spoiled with continual smoke. ” (Waldo, 151) which shows even the doctors are not in good shape, especially to help cure people. Dr. Waldo told me, “I am sick-discontented- and out of humor. ” The soldiers are dreadfully fighting in the war and are not enjoying it with good spirits.
It is one thing to be cheerful about the war, but to dreadfully fighting in the war for nine months is a problem. I saw a soldier walking down a hill with his feet showing through his ripped socks, his legs are bare with the tattered remains of his stockings. (Waldo, 151) The soldiers fought so hard in the war and do not even get warm, comfortable clothes in return. As walked back into camp, I heard the men yell that they have no meat in their meals. (Waldo, 151) Why is the army expected to fight well when they aren’t being fed enough to last even their nine months? Dr.
Waldo told me his complaints saying, “Poor food- hard lodging- Cold Weather- fatigue- Nasty Cloaths-Vomit half my time- smoak’d out of my senses… “(Waldo, 151) This reason is causing me to not re-enlist because clearly, the men are not being taken care of, like they just got left to die because the army has not been properly cared for. Another reason I will not re-enlist is how the Americans and the Congressmen were such of a little help to the army. As I was walking around camp, I overheard the Chief of Engineers say that, “There is a hundred times more enthusiasm for this revolution… n Paris than in all of the United States together. ” (Roden,141) Our own Chief, let alone America, is not supportive of this war, so if we win, America won’t even be that excited for the win. “The committee of five congressmen stayed for several weeks” at camp. The committee promised clothes and food, but I doubt they will come through. (Powell, 149) Congressman do not even trust George Washington to lead the army. (Roden,141) If Congress can not even trust General Washington, why should I put my life in his hands? The Congressman walked in in their fancy clothes, saying they were there to help (Powell,149).
The Congressman came, but they were too late to help. 1,800 men are already suffering. (Busch, 147) This reason is causing me to not re-enlist because why should I stay when no one is going to care if America wins the war? I will not re-enlist The final reason I will not re-enlist is that people are not dying from war, but from sicknesses. On “February 1, 1778, 3989” people were reported sick (Busch, 147). If I am healthy, I might as well leave after my 9 months are up, because I have a family that needs to be taken care of. The Army which has been surprisingly healthy hitherto, now begins to grow sickly from the continued fatigues they have suffered this Campaign. “(Waldo, 151) Dr. Waldo is stating that the Army is getting weaker as the days go on, and no one is even helping them out. I don’t understand why we are sent here to starve and freeze. (Waldo, 151) None of the soldiers are even enjoying the war. They are just miserable, so why should the soldiers die miserably when they can help out their family back at their house. 4000 people left or died from December to February. Busch, 147)
Too many people are leaving and dying, and if no one cares about how sick people are, leaving is a better option. Half of the soldiers with sicknesses and deaths is causing me to not re-enlist because too many soldiers are getting sick and dying, and are not getting the proper treatment. I understand why some soldiers might decide to re-enlist because they want to support their country and help win the war. This point of view makes sense because Dr. Waldo said ” Yet they still show a spirit of Alacrity [cheerful willingness] and Contentment not to be expected from so young troops. However, I have decided to not re-enlist for three reasons which are the conditions of living, the little help from the people, and too many sicknesses and deaths. Therefore, I have already done my part to serve the country and I do not want to die after I have survived this far into the war, so I will not be re-enlisting in the war. Thave decided to not re-enlist for 3 reasons which are; the conditions of living, the little help from the people and too many sicknesses and deaths. My nine months are up, and that was all that I signed up for. My family is waiting for me at home with my ill mother.
No one is even helping this Army get through the war. The Congress had their fancy clothes on while watching our Army suffer with no shoes or socks. We can’t just wait around for Congress to step in and help because too many people are dying. Wanting to leave this war, I know that my family at home is suffering without me, and my life matters, too. If help was sent and there was a more comfortable lifestyle, more people would re-enlist back in the war. Since America isn’t excited and helpful in any way, why should my life be at stake after I have served my proper time like I was supposed to?
