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Conditions At Valley Forge Research Paper

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“Why are we sent here to starve and Freeze…” (Diary of Dr. Albigence Waldo, December 14, 1777.) Dr. Waldo complained about the conditions at Valley Forge, he lived with the continental army with no money and little to no hope. In 1777, George Washington, the general of the Continental Army, decided to build a winter camp at Valley Forge. It was about 18 miles northwest of Philadelphia, quakers, people who believed in peace or pacifists, offered food for the soldiers. Washington wanted to keep an eye on the British army in philadelphia, but his army was not in its best shape. Many soldiers deserted or finished their enlistment, but Washington didn't lose his hope. The winter was cold, their huts were compact and smokey, and they had no money left. A soldier in the continental army should have left Valley Forge because of illness, living conditions, and lack of support by the congress. …show more content…

People were risking their lives, they were wasting all of their energy fighting to stay alive, instead of fighting for independence. There was 10% chance of getting sick, according to a chart from “Winter Quarters” by Noel F. Busch in 1974. About 50% of the soldiers were sick, and 1,800 to 2,500 estimated dead due to illness. The army had no money for medicine, people were dying like bugs, playing jeopardy with their life. The winter at Valley Forge was harsh, soldiers who choose to leave, saved their lives. Soldier who decided to stay, were fighting for independence that they would never live to

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