Writings from the Valley Forge Encampment of the Continental Army, Volume 2, December 19, 1777-June 19, 1778. Joseph Lee Boyle. Paperback, ( 2001), 5½x8½, index, 198 pp.

"Winter in this starved Country"

Hundreds of letters and documents written at Valley Forge have been published in collections that represent the best remembered men of the Revolution. There are also documents of uncounted numbers by lesser officers and staff functionaries that have never been published, or have been printed long ago and are no longer readily available.

The intent of this effort, as the first of several such volumes, is to present a selection of these to allow greater understanding of the Valley Forge Encampment. Some of the stories, that have become legendary, are reinforced in these letters. Gen. Anthony Wayne reports on December 28, 1777, that "At this inclement Season one third of our Troops are totally Destitute of either Shoes, Stockings, Shirts or Blankets..."

Documents are arranged chronologically, and the original spelling and punctuation has been retained. A descriptive note at the foot of each entry gives the source location of each document, and identifies the writer and recipient the first time each individual appears. The author scoured the National Archives and more than 20 other state archives, university libraries, and historical societies in his search for these rare papers.

An index to full-names, places and subjects adds to the value of this work.

Book #: B1825 
ISBN: 9780788418259