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Valley Forge is one of the most tragic parts of the Revolutionary War, characterized by many non-combat deaths. The Army lacked essential resources such as clothes and food due to the failed supply chain; soldiers had to live in tents rather than solid houses, and the so-called camp fever was rampant. Most of those issues could have been resolved by arranging non-combatant parties and reconciling the difference in interests in the face of the enemy as other options implied defeat and meaningless sacrifices.
Valley Forge was a winter encampment established by the Continental Army upon losing Philadelphia during an unsuccessful fall campaign. The involved troops were led by George Washington, who settled them in a hilly area within the proximity of the road connecting York and Philadelphia (Stewart, 2005). While the original evaluation of the plan was positive, the realization that the soldiers were not in a proper form due to malnutrition and previous defeats came too late (Herrera, 2020). Although the land was supposed to be agriculturally rich, it had been appropriated by the belligerent sides throughout 1777 (Stewart, 2005). Moreover, the supply chain was mismanaged due to the absence of the Quartermaster General and the dissatisfaction with Washington, resulting in some officials’ unwillingness to assist him (Stewart, 2005). As the area was underdeveloped, the tents eventually became tattered, and the huts were half-built, aggravating the situation (Drury & Clavin, 2018). The blankets left by those who had died from an illness had to be reused by the remaining troops, spreading the disease (Drury & Clavin, 2018). Ultimately, the situation was grave enough to cause deaths and lead to the Army’s weakened state.
The situation could have been avoided by either retreating or immediately assaulting Philadelphia, but these alternatives are inherently flawed. First of all, Washington’s decision to continue with the operation was not solely his; he was supported and urged by other generals, Congress, and two governors (Herrera, 2020). Moreover, it was important to maintain a presence in the region and eventually retake the city; the environmental situation was also considered (Herrera, 2020). On the other hand, the troops were not prepared to attack the British Army after several unsuccessful attempts; the soldiers’ condition and morale were also significantly reduced (Herrera, 2020; Drury & Clavin, 2018). Additional training to equal the enemy was necessary, and it would come only in February (Stewart, 2005). Thus, while the discussed options were tempting, they were impossible due to the circumstances and executing either would have devastating effects on the American side.
A sensible solution would be to arrange a foraging party and a medical one. The first one would include physically fit soldiers to seek food resources from the surrounding areas and replace the existing supply chain by visiting the cities under the Colonial rule. The second party’s composition is a nurse, some able soldiers, and the ailing in need of intervention that cannot be administrated due to the harsh conditions. They would assist in solving the issue of insufficient food, clothes, and worn-out tents and preventing illnesses caused by unsanitary conditions.
The selection for both parties should be meticulous to achieve the desired outcomes. First of all, as an assault from the British side is possible and may threaten the Continental Congress, the most capable soldiers are to remain (Stewart, 2005). The foraging party should have someone with sufficient negotiating skills to convince potential opponents of Washington to offer help and goods, including clothes, food, tents, and blankets. The last point is particularly important to improve sanitation and stop diseases from spreading. The medical party requires a doctor to relay the patients’ diagnoses and ensure that they receive the necessary treatment promptly. Afterward, the recovered soldiers may return to active duty with the same group or the next one. It is also advisable to rotate the parties’ members to avoid discord in the troops because some may express dissatisfaction with their alleged privileged status. Eventually, the cycle will allow Washington’s Army to weather the winter with as few casualties as possible and high morale.
References
Drury, B., & Clavin, T. (2018). Valley Forge. Simon & Schuster.
Herrera, R. A. (2020). “Our army will hut this winter at valley forge”: George Washington, decision making, and the councils of war.Army History, 117, 6-27. Web.
Stewart, R. W. (Ed.). (2005). American military history volume 1: The United States Army and the forging of a nation, 1775–1917 (2nd ed.). Center of Military History.
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