Veteran of the Continental Army

The Revolutionary War lasted for several years (1775-1783) and was a fight for the American colonies Independence from Britain’s rule. During this time period numerous battles occurred, starting with the Battle of Lexington and continuing on to the Battle of Saratoga. This was to be the first victorious battle for the Americans; but also a poor turning point for Washington’s Army when they retired to winter quarters at Valley Forge. One veteran, Joseph Plumb Martin recollected the hardships and uncertainties he and his fellow soldiers had to endure throughout the fight for their nation’s freedom.
The soldiers serving in active duty during the time of the fight for independence were promised and offered many necessities and incentives. The promised goods were a ration of beef, pork, bread, salt, vinegar along with soaps and candles. “We were, also, promised six dollars and two thirds a month” (Duke-Hart, 48). Martin described his monthly wage as merely enough to afford a man a dinner. They never received nearly any or what they were allowed to. He brings to light how “a fourth part of the troops had not a scrap of anything but their ragged shirt flaps to cover their nakedness, and were obliged to remain so long after” (Duke-Hart, 47). These men that were risking their lives and putting everything they had on the line, were not even shown the respect and decency they deserved. Not only were they treated worse than animals but they were fed like animals as well. General Washington traveled through rough terrains and weather conditions with these men. He relayed to the congress “the soldiers eat every kind of horse fodder but hay” (Duke-Hart, 47). Although food and supplies were sent, they arrived rotten or deficient. Martin described the lack of food and the morsels he had to eat while having to maintain his strength to accomplish some difficult task expected of him. All the soldiers expected were to be fed in compensation for their hard labor. This was a minuscule...