Page:American History Told by Contemporaries, v2.djvu/598

570 notwithstanding with seeming content — blesses God for a good Stomach — and Whis [t] les it into digestion. But harkee Patience — a moment — 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 — his Breeches not sufficient to cover his Nakedness — his Shirt hanging in Strings — his hair dishevell'd — his face meagre— his whole appearance pictures a person forsaken & discouraged. He comes, and crys with an air of wretchedness & dispair — I am Sick —my feet lame — my legs are sore — my body cover'd with this tormenting Itch — my Cloaths are worn out — my Constitution is broken — my former Activity is exhausted by fatigue — hunger & Cold — I fail fast I shall soon be no more ! and all the reward I shall get will be — "Poor Will is dead." . ..

Dec. 18th. — Universal Thanksgiving — a Roasted Pig at Night. God be thanked for my health which I have pretty well recovered. How much better should I feel, were I assured my family were in health — But the same good Being who graciously preserves me — is able to preserve them — & bring me to the ardently wish d for enjoyment of them again.

Rank & Precedence make a good deal of disturbance & confusion in the American Army. The Army are poorly supplied with Provision, occationed it is said by the Neglect of the Commissary of Purchases. Much talk among Officers about discharges. Money has become of too little consequence. . ..

Dec. 21st. — Preparations made for hutts. Provision Scarce. Mr. Ellis went homeward —sent a Letter to my Wife. Heartily wish myself at home — my Skin & 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 melancholly sound — "No Meat! No Meat!" Immitating the noise of Crows & Owls, also, made a part of the confused Musick.

What have you for our Dinners Boys? "Nothing but Fire Cake & Water, Sir." At night — " Gentlemen the Supper is ready." What is your Supper, Lads? "Fire Cake & Vater, Sir."

Dec. 22d. — Lay excessive Cold & uncomfortable last Night — my eyes are started out from their Orbits like a Rabbit's eyes, occation'd by a great Cold — and Smoke.

What have you got for Breakfast, Lads? "Fire Cake & Water, Sir." The Lord send that our Commissary of Purchases may live on, Fire Cake & Water. . ..