Valley Forge

Valley Forge

In 1777 George Washington and he's army were on the run they were unable to stop the advancing British army in Boston, New York, or in Philadelphia. After being defeated by the British and losing the capital George Washington decided to make camp 18 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The camp would be known as Valley Forge. There was no dough that the Continental Army was ill prepared for the long winter to come. The soldiers didn't have proper housing or clothing, they lived in huts which had no windows or floor and some men were bare foot. Also must people died of illness and diseases. As a result moral for the war was at a critical point within the army. Many soldiers left after their enlistment was up. And so I ask would you have quit or stayed at Valley Forge. I would have stayed because there was a high survival rate, supplies were on the way, and the chance of freedom.

I would have stayed at Valley Forge because there was a high survival rate. There was a 90% survival rate.(Doc A) This means that many of the soldiers that became sick didn't die, just because your sick doesn't mean that you're going to die necessarily. Also there was 18,000 soldiers at Valley Forge between December 1777 and February and only an estimated 2,500 died of illnesses between December and June (Doc A). This show that you have a very could chance of serving the winter.

Along with a high survival rate another reason to stay at Valley Forge is that help is on the way. The Congressional Committee met with George Washington and the soldiers at Valley Forge (Doc B). During this meeting the Committee saw that Washington's men needed more supplies and promised to supply them. This shows that Congress was willing to aid the army with more suppliess. Also there were signs of hope within the soldiers "Yet they still show a spirit of alacrity and contentment" (Doc C). Also knowing now that they will receive proper clothing to keep them warm and more money to buy food from local farmers.

In addition to a high survival rate and help on the way the most important reason to stay is the chance to be a part of a free country. If you were to stay and help defeat the British you could be a part of a country where you would have a say. Also you wouldn't be unfairly taxed by the British crown. Or have to buy and sell only British goods. "Britain, ... has declared that she has a right not only to tax but to bind us in all case whatsoever" (Doc D). If you were to leave and all the other soldiers too then we wouldn't have that we would be under British rule. We would be forced to obey their laws and pay unfair taxes and have soldiers march into our homes whenever they want.

In conclusion I would stay and fight because I have a high survival rate, help is on the way, and I want to be free and not be taxed unfairly. I would recommend that