he then offered me his arm, and tears trembled in his eyes. "You tremble," said he; "do not be alarmed, I pray you." "Sir,"cried I, "a countenance so expressive of benevolence, and the kindness which you have evinced towards my children, are sufficient to dispel all apprehension."; He then ushered me into the tent of general Gates . . . .
. . . The gentleman who had received me with so much kindness, came and said to me, "You may find it embarrassing to be the only lady in such a large company of gentlemen ; will you come with your children to my tent, and partake of a frugal dinner, offered with the best will?" "By the kindness you show to me," returned I, "you induce me to believe that you have a wife and children." He informed me that he was general Schuyler. He regaled me with smoked tongues, which were excellent, with beefsteaks, potatoes, fresh butter, and bread. Never did a dinner give me so much pleasure as this. I was easy, after many months of anxiety, and I read the same happy change in the countenances of those around me. . . .
Madame de Riedesel, Letters and Memoirs relating to the War of American Independence, etc. (New York, 1827), 173-189 passim.
198. Life at Valley Forge (1777-1778)
BY DOCTOR ALBIGENCE WALDO
Doctor Waldo was a surgeon from Connecticut. This is perhaps the best account of the heroism of the darkest period in American affairs, before the French alliance (No. 199 below) assured money, ships, and troops in aid of the Revolution. — Bibliography : Winsor, Narrative and Critical History, VI, 436-438; Channing and Hart, Guide, § 138.
DEC. 12th [1777]. — A Bridge of Waggons made across the Schuylkill last Night consisting of 36 waggons, with a bridge of Rails between each. Some Skirmishing over the River. Militia and draggoons brought into Camp several Prisoners. Sun Set. — We are order'd to march over the River — It snows — I'm Sick — eat nothing — No Whiskey — No Baggage — Lord — Lord — Lord. The Army were 'till Sun Rise crossing the River — some at the Waggon Bridge, & some at the Raft Bridge below. Cold & Uncomfortable.
Dec. 13th. — The Army march'd three miles from the West side the River and encamp'd near a place call'd the Gulph and not an improper name neither — For this Gulph seems well adapted by its situation to
