In General Washington's letter to Congress in December, 1777, he makes abundantly clear that his army is at the edge: "It is with infinite pain and concern, that I transmit Congress the Inclosed Copies of Sundry Letters respecting the State of the Commissary's department. If these matters are not exaggerated, I do not know from what cause, this alarming deficiency or rather total failure of Supplies arises: But unless more Vigorous exertions and better regulations take place in that line, and immediately, this Army must dissolve"

Over 2,000 soldiers would die that winter from a variety of diseases and the hardness of the winter. In other letters, it was stated that many of the troops had no clothes, shoes, or general protection from the weather. Adversity created the need for a Quartermaster Corp and much was learned about the logistics of managing an army of 12,000 patriotic citizens.

The conditions could not have been more adverse. Washington had never commanded anything larger than a regiment and now he was leading an army of citizen patriots against an army of professional soldiers.

In 1866, Henry Brueckner depicted Washington at prayer in this painting. There has been a long standing historical debate as to whether Washington actually prayed at Valley Forge.

Medium : 1 print : engraving

Created/Published : New York : John C. McRae, engraver, c1866.

Creator : Henry Brueckner, artist

Housed in the Prints & Photographs Division of the Library of Congress

Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 weeks.

Product #: pratvafo