Document C - Valley Forge: Would You Have Quit?

Note: dr. Waldo suffered during his winter at Valley Forge that stayed loyal to the continental army as he helped other surgeons care for six soldiers.

Source 1

December 14, 1777 The Army which has been surprisingly healthy hitherto, now begins to grow sickly from the continued fatigues they have suffered this Campaign. Yet they still show a spirit of Alacrity [cheerful willingness] and Contentment not to be expected from so young Troops. I am Sick - discontented - and out of humor. Poor food - hard lodging - Cold Weather - fatigue - Nasty Cloaths - nasty Cookery - Vomit half my time - smoak'd out of my senses - the Devil's in in't - I can't Endure it - Why are we sent here to starve and Freeze. There comes a Soldier, his bare feet are seen thro' his worn out Shoes, his legs nearly naked from the tatter'd remains of an only pair of stockings....

December 21, 1777 "Heartily I wish myself at home, my Skin and eyes are almost spoil'd with continual smoke. A general cry thro' the Camp this Evening among the Soldiers, "No meat! No meat! - the Distant vales Echo'd back the melancholy sound - "No meat! No meat!"

Source: Diary of Dr. Albigence Waldo, a Connecticut surgeon, 1777.

Question 1

Short answer

Do you believe this document is an accurate picture of camp life at valley forge? Why?

Question 2

Short answer

What hardship described by Waldo most gets your attention?

Question 3

Short answer

Make one inference about the quality of ventilation in the soldiers' huts.

Question 4

Short answer

How could this document be used to argue for quitting?

Question 5

Short answer

Is there any way this document could be used to argue against quitting?

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