Valley Forge Letter

February 14, 1778


Dearest Abigail,
I know that I have not written in a long while, for these past few months have been long and cold. The weather here is nothing like back in Georgia,it seems that it rains or snows all the time. I hope that everything is going well for you back at home. I have been missing you terribly, and thinking about our new child constantly. Enough time has passed that I'm sure we have been blessed with a beautiful little son or daughter. From your last letter I can see that you have been worrying. Just know that I am doing fine, even though the fire cakes we eat are nothing near your home cooked meals.
When I first enlisted for the army I was extremely proud and ready to fight for our colonies. Though I am still proud to be part of this army, it is very tiresome. It seems that we haven't won a single battle since the start of this war. Most nights we sleep in our drafty, dirty huts with 10 or 11 other men when it is extremely frigid out. If I had known this I would've brought my own blankets with me! Anyhow, for a while there seemed to be no one who cared about our needs as simple as clothing and food. Gen. Mifflin who is in charge of these tasks seems to not care at all about his duties. It is saddening to see my brothers begin to lose hope in our cause and become weakened. This simply because of a lack of a man not wanting to do his job.
Even I, who was so ecstatic about the idea of a new start, am beginning to lack zeal for our fighting. I have been putting a lot of thought into whether I should re-enlist or whether I just want to come home to my wife and child. There is also the issue with sickness. We have lost hundreds of men to various illnesses, many are not well enough to fight any longer. I am just glad that you are not here to experience the horrors of this war and life in the camp. Though I am tired and weary I am going to keep fighting to ensure that you and our family is kept safe.
Sadly, I must go for there are many duties that I need to fulfill for today. Just know that I am thinking of you day and night. I love you with all of my heart and send my love to our darling baby. I will write as soon as I can.

Your loving husband,
Benjamin