VALLEY FORGE
Now, while we are traveling over the hills hoping speedily to cover
the seven miles between Swede’s Ford and Valley Forge, I burning with
impatience for Master Dingley to speak concerning the business on which
we had been summoned, and young Chris following sulkily in the rear,
disgruntled because he had, according to his belief, not been treated
with as much ceremony as he believed the son of his father should have,
let me set down what at a later day I read concerning Valley Forge and
our people there.
It cannot be without interest even to those who know it full well
because of having suffered there, and to him who would follow my poor
attempt at telling of the doings of our Minute Boys of Philadelphia,
it seems necessary many things should be known concerning this winter
encampment where was so much of suffering.
It is perhaps needless for me to say that our army arrived at Valley
Forge on the nineteenth day of December in the year 1777, and there at
once began the work of building such shelters as would serve in some
slight degree to shield them from the cruel weather.
I myself have seen the written orders which General Washington gave
concerning the making of the huts. He directed the commanding officers
of regiments to have their men divided into parties of twelve, to see
to it each company had its proportion of tools, and that they build a
hut for that number.
In order to quicken their movements, for General Washington knew how
necessary it was these shelters should be erected without delay, he
promised to give the party in each regiment which finished its hut
the soonest and in the most workmanlike manner, a present of twelve
dollars. He also offered a reward of one hundred dollars to the officer
or soldier who would substitute a covering for the huts, cheaper and
more quickly made than boards.
These are the directions which he gave concerning the size and style
of the building: “Fourteen feet by sixteen each; the sides, end and
roofs made with logs; the roofs made tight with split slabs, or some
other way; the sides made tight with clay; a fireplace made of wood and
secured with clay on the inside eighteen inches thick; this fireplace
to be in the rear of the hut; the door to be in the end next the
street; the doors to be made of split oak slabs unless boards can be
procured; the side walls to be six feet and a half high. The officers’
huts are to form a line in the rear of the troops, one hut to be
allowed to each general officer; one to the staff of each brigade;
one to the field officers of each regiment; one to the staff of each
regiment; one to the commissioned officers of two companies; and one to
every twelve non-commissioned officers and soldiers.”
Do you remember that pitiful letter which Washington wrote to Governor
Clinton about the middle of February, wherein he said:
“For some days past there has been little less than a famine in the
camp. A part of the army has been a week without any kind of flesh, and
the rest three or four days. Naked and starving as they are, we cannot
enough admire the incomparable patience and fidelity of the soldiery,
that they have not been, ere this, excited by their sufferings to a
general mutiny and desertion.”
Now I have heard it said that when the army first went into camp
there were eleven thousand and ninety-eight men, but of this number
two thousand eight hundred and ninety-eight were unfit for duty.
The British army encamped in comfort, almost luxury, in our land of
America, numbered thirty-three thousand, seven hundred and fifty-six,
and nineteen thousand, five hundred and thirty of these were in our
city of Philadelphia, afraid to move in either direction save when they
sent out squads now and then to inflict damage upon the people nearby.
More than once had I heard Major Simcoe speak of our people under arms
as the “Rag-tag and bobtail,” and yet that same rag-tag and bobtail
were keeping the lobster-backs shut up in Philadelphia, while they were
in the condition which General Varnum described to General Green when
he wrote to him on the twelfth of February, which same letter I also
have seen, as has young Chris, in which he says:
“The situation of the camp is such that in all human probability the
army must dissolve. Many of the troops are destitute of meat and are
several days in arrears. The horses are dying for want of forage. The
country in the vicinity of the camp is exhausted. There cannot be a
moral certainty of bettering our condition while we remain here.”
And before this day on which Chris and I were visiting Valley Forge,
Master Dingley told us that again and again was it almost impossible to
find soldiers in condition fit to discharge the military camp duties
from day to day. That those who were naked, and there were very many
who were almost the same as without clothing, borrowed from those who
had clothes, while they went out to stand guard or do such other duties
as were required. And when he said this, Master Dingley added proudly:
“Yet, amid all this suffering day after day, surrounded by frost and
snow (for it has been a winter of great severity), patriotism is still
warm and hopeful in the hearts of the soldiers, and their love of self
is merged into the one holy sentiment of love for country.”
If I had been lukewarm regarding the Cause up to this day when we were
traveling over the hills with Master Dingley, I should have burned, as
I really did then, to have my part of the sufferings which these men
were enduring.
I felt more keenly than ever how small and pitiful it was for young
Chris and me to complain because we had been asked to walk a few miles
into the country, to the end that we might be able to do something
in the behalf of our people, when those brave fellows were suffering
bitterly, so we could teach the king a lesson which he sorely needed.
Perhaps it is not well for me to set down so plainly the sufferings of
our soldiers at Valley Forge, and yet why should they not be made known
in order that all who come after us may the better understand at what
cost we of the colonies were fighting against the king’s troops, who
swarmed over the land like as locusts, devouring everything that could
be come at?
I was ashamed that I had been living in Philadelphia with plenty of
food and ample shelter. Ashamed that I had not known better concerning
this suffering at Valley Forge, so I might have been all the more eager
to do whatsoever lay within my power.
I was yet reproaching myself because thus far I had not shared in the
distress of our people who were serving the Cause, when we came within
sight of the encampment lying in the valley and along the sides of the
hill, and then it was that suddenly, as if just remembering why we had
come there, Master Dingley said:
“Now then, lads, sit ye down where it will be possible to see our brave
fellows who are waiting an opportunity to fall upon the lobster-backs,
and you shall hear what I would have you do in your own city of
Philadelphia, promising, however, that there are many chances you may
not be allowed to finish the work, because if so be the Britishers have
an inkling of what you are about, your shrift will be short.”
Then it was I suddenly remembered that Master Dingley was all ignorant
of the fact that we had taken Skinny Baker prisoner.
It may seem strange I should have forgotten such an important fact;
but the reason of my not speaking with him regarding it was, that
up to this time he had made no inquiries concerning our movements
in Philadelphia, save as to what we had done in the way of raising
recruits for the Minute Boys.
Then, when he seemed to be on the point of telling us why we had been
called to Swede’s Ford, I made bold to say:
“There is one thing, perhaps, which you should know before explaining
the purpose for which you sent to us. After leaving you, and getting
nearly home again, we found that the son of a Tory, one Benjamin Baker,
had not only seen us in your company; but knew that we had taken you up
the river. There seemed to be but one thing to do, which was to keep
the fellow safe where he could not tell the lobster-backs what he had
discovered, and the result of it all is that we are holding him captive
in that place where our boat was hidden.”
“And you have a prisoner on your hands?” Master Dingley cried as if in
dismay, whereupon young Chris said boldly:
“Ay, how else could we do? The lad was certain to have told his story
to the first lobster-back he met, and if peradventure the soldiers did
not believe him, his father is of sufficient influence to obtain an
interview even with General Howe. It was his liberty or ours.”
“Ay, I can see that much, and yet there is great danger, as it appears
to me, for you thus to hold him in hiding. Of a surety his father will
make search for the lad.”
“He has already done so, and yet if our comrades are cautious, holding
themselves well under cover without venturing out more than is
absolutely necessary, I fail to see how Master Baker can come upon his
son,” I replied.
Master Dingley remained silent while one might have counted twenty, and
then he asked suddenly:
“Did you tell the Weaver of Germantown that you had a Tory lad in your
keeping?”
“That we did not, sir,” I replied.
“Why not?”
“I was not overly certain that he who called himself the Weaver of
Germantown was a true friend to the Cause. I had only his word for it,
and there was no reason why I should give him more of my affairs than
was absolutely necessary.”
“The caution does you credit, lad, yet I would he knew of it, for it
might make some difference in his movements.”
“It can’t be helped now,” young Chris said lightly, as if not
considering the matter of any great importance. “We have got Skinny,
and must hold him so long as we count on staying in Philadelphia, for
no one who knows him would be willing to take his word on any matter
whatsoever, and certain it is he would betray us to the lobster-backs
gleefully, however he might swear to the contrary.”
“And one could hardly blame him if he did,” Master Dingley said grimly,
after which he fell silent again.
We two lads sat watching him a full minute, mayhap, when he
straightened up as does one who would throw off some disagreeable
thought, and said with a long-drawn breath that was much like a sigh:
“What has been done, has been done, and we must make the best of that
which seems to me a dangerous matter, for it is hardly possible you can
keep the lad prisoner within a lumber pile many days. However, what
comes of that is no affair of ours just at this time. It remains for
me to tell you why, and how, you can be of service to the Cause, lads
though you are.”
Now it was I pricked up my ears, for at last, after what had seemed to
be an exceeding long time of waiting, we were to learn why we had been
summoned.
“First let me ask if you have heard in the city aught concerning a
change of British commanders?”
“No, sir, although my mother did say shortly before we met you, that
she heard Major Simcoe speaking somewhat concerning a change; but what
it was she failed to catch.”
“Well, lads, we have from reliable authority that General Howe is to be
replaced in command by General Henry Clinton; but whether that be good
news or ill, remains to be seen. Now, however, I have to tell you what
I question if even the enemy in Philadelphia are yet aware. It concerns
our affairs with France. That country has acknowledged the independence
of our colonies, and entered into a treaty with us, which is much the
same as saying that she will stand our friend during the remainder of
this war. Such news came to us six days ago, which is as if I had said
on the first of May, and to-morrow there will be rejoicings in this
army here at Valley Forge. Therefore I would have you see and hear
what takes place, to the end that you may tell those of our friends in
Philadelphia whom you can trust, so if peradventure they be weak-kneed
in the Cause it will strengthen them wondrously. It was for that reason
you were asked to come here; but rather than saying you should journey
directly to this place, General Varnum insisted that first he must have
speech with you to learn if--and now I am speaking particularly to
Richard Salter--he and his mother could be depended upon to spread the
news in such manner that the telling of it might not bring them into
trouble.”
I was becoming confused. I had believed we had been sent for because
of yet greater troubles to the colonies, and now it seemed that instead
of venturing our lives in the Cause, we were simply to be the bearers
of good tidings, after having witnessed a celebration by those men who
had suffered so much during the winter.
“Here is a copy of general orders which have been issued by the
commander-in-chief, and I would have you lads read it carefully, to the
end that you shall remember it even after you are men grown, for to my
mind this marks an era in our struggle for independence which promises,
for the first time since we arrayed ourselves against the king, that we
may be reasonably certain of accomplishing our purpose.”
Then Master Dingley took from his coat a folded paper which he handed
me, insisting that I read it aloud, and so I did.
Even to this day can I remember the words, so deeply were they then
impressed upon my memory, and I am setting each one down, hoping it may
be possible for me to put them exactly in that order as I read while we
were sitting upon the ground overlooking the camp at Valley Forge.
“It having pleased the Almighty Ruler of the universe to defend the
Cause of the United American States, and finally to raise us up a
powerful friend among the princes of the earth, to establish our
liberty and independence upon a lasting foundation, it becomes us to
set apart a day for gratefully acknowledging the divine goodness,
and celebrating the important event, which we owe to His divine
interposition. The several brigades are to be assembled for this
purpose at nine o’clock to-morrow morning, when their chaplains will
communicate the intelligence contained in the postscript of the
Pennsylvania Gazette of the 2nd instant, and offer up a thanksgiving,
and deliver a discourse suitable to the occasion. At half-past ten
o’clock a cannon will be fired, which is to be a signal for the men to
be under arms; the brigade inspectors will then inspect their dress
and arms, and form the battalions according to the instructions given
them, and announce to the commanding officers of the brigade that the
battalions are formed.
“The commanders of brigades will then appoint a field officer to the
battalions, after which each battalion will be ordered to load and
ground their arms. At half-past eleven a second cannon will be fired
as a signal for the march; upon which the several brigades will begin
their march by wheeling to the right by platoons, and proceed by the
nearest way to the left of their ground by the new position. This
will be pointed out by the brigade inspectors. A third signal will
then be given, on which there will be a discharge of thirteen cannon;
after which a running fire of the infantry will begin on the right of
Woodford’s, and continue throughout the front line; it will then be
taken up on the left of the second line, and continue to the right.
Upon a signal given, the whole army will huzza, Long live the King of
France! The artillery then begins again, and fires thirteen rounds;
this will be succeeded by a second general discharge of the musketry in
a running fire, and huzza, Long live the friendly European powers! The
last discharge of thirteen pieces of artillery will be given, followed
by a general running fire, and huzza, The American States!”
“It will be a fine celebration!” young Chris said excitedly, thinking
more of what was to be done in the way of making a noise, than of that
which it signified.
I could not for the life of me speak, for it seemed of a verity that
this was indeed the beginning of the end. And I may be pardoned if,
way down in my heart, there was just the slightest feeling of regret
because the war was come to an end so soon that our Minute Boys of
Philadelphia might not have a chance to show the stuff which was in
them; but I need not have fretted concerning that part of it.
Before many weeks I was to learn that this show of friendship on the
part of the French nation had not won for us our independence; there
must be yet much more bloodshed, and ample time in which we lads of
Philadelphia could prove our metal.
“And it was simply that we might see this celebration you sent for
us?” I said, whereupon Master Dingley smiled as one might at a foolish
child, while he said in an indulgent tone:
“Nay, lad, there is yet much work to be done, as you will see. The
chief question which concerns us here is, what will be General
Clinton’s policy once he has taken command of the troops which are in
Philadelphia, and to that end has the Weaver of Germantown taken up his
abode in the Jolly Tar inn, there to remain so long as the Britishers
will allow. In the meanwhile, however, General Varnum believes, as
do I, that two or three lads who can move about without attracting
attention, may gain us certain information concerning the events of the
eighteenth day of May.”
“That is nearly two weeks from now!” young Chris exclaimed as if
disappointed because our work was not to begin immediately, and I could
not refrain from asking how it was that Master Dingley could set so
decidedly a time when we might be able to do something--how it was he
knew exactly that on a certain day of May we might be of service.
“It is because on that day a grand festival is to be held under
direction of General Burgoyne and Major John Andre, as a sort of
farewell reception to General Howe, for before that day comes, so our
information goes, General Clinton will be here. This carnival has been
called by its promoters, and I believe it was Major Andre himself who
gave the name, the _Mischianza_, whatever that may mean. Then it is,
when the officers have given themselves over to pleasure, that you lads
may pick up much concerning the possible movements of General Clinton,
for it is certain considerable of that matter will be discussed at
such a time. I learned, while in Philadelphia, that the carnival was
to be held at Master Wharton’s country seat in Southwark, and that the
company will begin to assemble from three to four o’clock at Knight’s
wharf, when they will embark in a grand regatta. It is from that moment
I count on your being able to follow them.”
“Then all we are to do is go to a party at Master Wharton’s, eh?” young
Chris asked in a tone of discontent, and Master Dingley smiled sadly as
he replied:
“If it is danger you lads are greedy for, I venture to say that
you have enough of it surrounding you just now. What with the boy
prisoner in the lumber pile; the knowledge that your people, meaning
particularly your father, young Ludwig, are among those who love the
colonies, you will stand a good chance of being brought up with a round
turn to explain why you are loitering around that party of pleasure
seekers, if so be you are not exceeding cautious. Do not be over eager
about running your neck into peril, for you stand nearby it every
moment of your life from this on.”
It was in my mind that Master Dingley simply said this to pleasure us,
seeing we were eager to run our noses into peril, for I failed utterly
of understanding how we could get into trouble.
I had not the shadow of a fear that Skinny Baker could succeed in
making his escape while Jeremy and Sam were watching over him, and in
eight and forty hours at the longest I would be there to take part in
guarding him.
In my folly it seemed to me that we lads, even though the Britishers
did know we came of so-called rebel stock, were as safe in Philadelphia
as we might be even there at Valley Forge, all of which goes to show
how simple a boy can be who counts with certainty upon the future.
There was very much which Master Dingley had to say to us before we two
were allowed to wander at will through the encampment.
He explained in great detail how we should set about going to this
carnival with the odd name; how we must deport ourselves once there,
and how best avoid attracting attention at the same time that we
lingered near enough to the lobster-backs to hear some part of their
conversation, speaking a great many words which seemed to me needless,
because I believed the task to be so simple.
Only after he had unburdened himself in what seemed almost a tiresome
fashion, did he set us free to go whithersoever we would, agreeing to
meet us near General Washington’s marquee, when we were wearied with
sightseeing.
I felt much like a lad who is suddenly relieved from disagreeable
tasks, when we were thus set free; but before young Chris and I had
wandered very far amid the motley collection of huts, did my joy turn
to mourning, for I saw our people in wretched condition, although later
we were told that they were much improved since winter.
And the question came to my mind whether it would ever be possible for
such an army, half-clad, the majority of them looking as if they had
just come from the hospital, and all seemingly hungry, for I fancied
I could read on the face of each a desire for food, to do aught
of importance against the king’s men. There was little wonder the
lobster-backs called them rag-tag and bobtail, or that they were not
overly afraid of what the poor fellows might be able to accomplish.
I had thought it would be many a long hour ere we were ready to rejoin
Master Dingley, and yet before thirty minutes had passed I was so
heart-sick at the distressing sights, that I urged young Chris to come
away with me where we might not see so much to offend the mind and the
eye.
Although young Chris was not a sensitive lad, he was quite as deeply
impressed by that which we saw as I, and willingly followed me to where
Master Dingley lay on the ground awaiting our coming, as if he had no
other purpose in life than minister to us.
Once we were with him again he continued to explain how we might carry
out our mission, and had so many words regarding it that I was weary
with the hearing, although it would not have been seemly to show
displeasure, because all which the good man said was intended for our
safety.
I would I might dwell upon what we saw at Valley Forge next day; but
because the general order explained all that was to be done, it would
be simply repeating the same matters for me to go over every incident
of that day.
It is enough if I say that everything was carried out as General
Washington had ordered, and we two lads sat more than patiently,
listening to the sermon which was spoken by Parson Hunter, for at such
a time and amid such surroundings did it seem to me as if a pious
discourse was the one thing necessary to finish the sad picture.
How the ragged soldiers cheered General Washington when the last
of the ceremony had come to an end, and he with his wife and the
officers of his staff left the field to partake of a dinner at his
headquarters--not a feast as you might well suppose, but a plain,
simple meal given in token of thanksgiving, as I believed.
The men cheered him to the echo, he turning from time to time to raise
his hat in acknowledgment, and then he was lost to our view, we going
to Master Dingley’s hut where we found of bacon and corn bread enough
to satisfy our hunger, but not sufficient to encourage greediness.
It was near to nightfall by this time, for Parson Hunter’s sermon had
been long drawn out, although it was calculated to touch one’s heart.
Then it was Master Dingley proposed we set out on our return for
Philadelphia, claiming that we might travel with more safety during the
night than in the daytime, and insisting that we take with us a couple
of soldiers as far as Swede’s Ford, lest we meet with Tories nearabout
who would do us harm, for in this neighborhood of Valley Forge there
were very few, so we were told, outside the army, who favored the
Cause.
I was weary and needing sleep, therefore such advice did not come in a
welcome fashion; but I was soon given to understand that Master Dingley
had a care to our well being, for he insisted that we first lie down
in his hut and sleep two hours, after which we should set out on our
return to Philadelphia.
Everything was done as Master Dingley had announced, and it was
nearabout midnight when, arriving at Swede’s Ford, we bade adieu to the
soldiers who had acted as our guides--two men from Massachusetts, and
right pleasant companions were they, who had suffered bitterly all the
long winter, and yet were filled with hope concerning the future.
They spoke so cheeringly of what it would be possible for the American
army to do once summer had come, that I was ashamed of ever having
fancied we might fail in our attempt to teach the king a lesson.
Then young Chris and I set off alone, thinking to make a short journey
of it; but giving so little heed to our steps that twice we went
astray, and the new day was nearly half spent when we came to the falls
where we had left the _Jolly Rover_.
Now it was that, fortunately, I was afflicted with a fit of
timorousness, and declared to young Chris it would be in the highest
degree dangerous for us to continue on during the daylight.
We knew full well that under the happiest circumstances we would meet
with lobster-backs a dozen times before arriving at the place where we
had left Skinny Baker, and it might not be a simple matter to convince
them we were innocent of mischief when they saw us coming from the
direction of the American camp.
Therefore it was I insisted we should lay hidden in the thicket where
the _Jolly Rover_ was concealed, until night had come, and luckily
young Chris fell in with my ideas, not on account of believing the
danger to be great, but because slumber was so heavy upon his eyelids
that he was eager to take advantage of an opportunity to sleep.
In looking back at that time and recalling why we halted at the falls
instead of continuing on, I can but believe that our movements were
directed by some higher power than any on earth, for had we gone
straight on, as would naturally have been our inclination, then had our
time of usefulness as Minute Boys come to a speedy end.
However, as it was we crawled into the thicket; ate such portion
of corn bread as remained from the store with which Master Dingley
provided us, and then fell asleep, counting to be on our way as soon as
the sun had set.
Instead of this, however, so weary were we in body, that when I next
opened my eyes it was dark. I knew by the stars it must be well to
midnight, and hurriedly awakened young Chris that we might get off as
speedily as possible lest another day come before we were arrived.
Because of thus over-sleeping, we did not arrive at the town until
within an hour of sunrise, and then it was too late for us to pull the
_Jolly Rover_ around to the lumber pile. Therefore we left her where
she had been hidden before, and struck straight across the city at our
best pace, for it seemed absolutely necessary we come to the hiding
place before it was light.
We were feeling in fine fettle as we drew near the lumber pile where
we counted on meeting Jeremy and Sam, for it seemed as if fortune was
favoring us in every way.
We had not come across a single red-coat in our tramp through the town,
which I venture to say was owing to the early hour, for we all know
that slumber weighs more heavily upon one just before morning than at
any other time, and the lobster-backs were no exception to this rule.
We were come to the lumber pile just as the first tokens of the new day
appeared in the eastern sky, and, there being seemingly no one in the
vicinity, I said to young Chris that we might both venture to go in at
the same time, instead of waiting one for another, so there would be
less danger of attracting attention.
I was leading the way, and on crawling through the passage, fearing
lest I should startle Jeremy and Sam, I whispered loudly before I was
come to the space inside which formed our prison, that they need have
no fear--that we were friends who approached.
There was no reply to these words of mine, and I was simple enough to
think both the lads had fallen asleep, even though they had agreed that
one should remain on watch all the time lest Skinny Baker escape.
It was dark in there as one might well fancy, and impossible even to
see a fellow’s hand before his face; but I crept on, counting to give
Jeremy the surprise of his life by shaking him into wakefulness.
So well acquainted was I with the place that I could pick out any
particular spot by sense of touch, and went directly to the spot in
which we had left Skinny, which was a sort of niche or corner, where we
could the better guard him.
Then I stretched out my hand in either direction, and as I did so a cry
of horror burst involuntarily from my lips, for I touched nothing save
the rough timbers.
“What is the matter?” young Chris asked excitedly, pressing against me
with an effort to pass, and I replied hurriedly:
“I fail to find anyone here, Chris. Crawl entirely around the place,
and at once, for if anything has happened then are we like rats in a
trap. It stands to reason that in case the lobster-backs have heard
aught of our doings, they will be watching for our return.”
We were like two lads who had suddenly lost their senses, as we crept
here and there, bruising our hands upon the rough planking or joists,
and passing and repassing the same place a dozen times, until when it
seemed to me it must be broad daylight, the fearsome thought forced
itself to my mind that our comrades had been captured.
Neither Skinny nor those who guarded him were in the hiding place, and
we needed no better evidence that they had fallen into the hands of
the enemy, for I knew as well as I knew anything in this world, that
neither Jeremy nor Sam would have taken it upon themselves to carry
the prisoner out of there, whatsoever might have occurred, during my
absence.
It was at the moment as if I were standing at the foot of the gallows,
with a noose made ready for my neck.