Hudson and Delaware, so that no supplies could arrive by boats.

New-Jersey, was not able, for any length of time, to provide from her own resources, for such a multitude. Our daily allowance of food, was reduced to one half. Then, to a quarter. Only four ounces of bread, and four of meat, were served to each man, for twenty-four hours. The cravings of hunger were intense.

Still, the afflicting scarcity grew more severe. This scanty pittance was at length dealt out, only once in two days. But the suffering was borne with astonishing patience. The half-famished soldiers sustained themselves, with the love of their country, and the hope of better times. Some, even strove, by amusing and playful conversation, to keep up the spirits of their comrades.

A deeper trial was reserved for us. Four bitter wintry days and nights, not a morsel of food was given out. None could be procured. The strongest men became weak,-and the voices of the more feeble, grew so faint, as scarcely to be audible. But there was no murmuring. We felt it was the poverty of our beloved country, that we were sharing, and believed, that in God's good time, relief would come.

After this dreadful abstinence of four days, some wheat was obtained. One gill of raw wheat, was the portion for each soldier. We hastened to boil and eat it,—drinking also the water, in which it had been boiled.

While we were devouring the food, a gun was heard within the encampment. A lean, miserable

dog had wandered thither. The poor animal was immediately shot, and cooked for some of the of ficers, who were so reduced by famine, as to be thankful for such a repast.

Another fast of four days ensued, rendered more painful, by the extreme cold; which threatened to turn every thing into ice. On the fifth morning, be fore the sun rose, a majestic man was seen, with the bridle of his horse around his arm.

He stopped at the door of every hut. He affectionately asked each soldier "how he fared." It was Washington. Tears escaped from his eyes, at the sight of our sorrows. Only the night before, had he learned their full extent. He had not slept. Ere the dawn, he hastened, notwithstanding the terrible cold, to visit us.

His countenance, and words, revealed the deepest sympathy. At the sight of his distress, many cheerful voices exclaimed, "General, we do not complain. We can bear this longer, if it is the will of heaven. We are ready to defend our country, whenever you call us to the field."

This patience and patriotism, affected Washington still more keenly. He could scarcely command his voice, as he thanked and blessed them. He assured them, that if it were in the power of man, reliet should be sent them, before the close of day.

A little past noon, the steward's call was heard throughout the camp. We rushed to the spot. To each of us, was weighed out, four ounces of beef, as free from bone, as possible. Overcome by the fierceness of appetite, some swallowed it raw, as soon as it reached their hands.

*

On the following day, we received four ounces of bread. Much in the same manner, our food continued to be regularly, though scantily, distributed, until winter was past, and spring recalled us to other toils and perils.

Yet scarcity of provisions, was not the only cause of our suffering at Morristown. The weather was fearfully severe, and our clothing old, and insufficient. Snow, for a long time covered the ground, to the depth of three, and four feet.

During more than six weeks, not the least thawing was perceived, even in the noon-day sun. No water could be obtained by the soldiers, but melted ice and snow. They were generally destitute of shoes, so that the guard, when they were upon duty, might be tracked by the blood from their feet, reddening their path of snow.

But every hardship was bravely endured, for the sake of the love, we bare our country. Looking with hope to her independence, we took part in her hard lot, like children with a parent, and suffered hunger, and cold, and nakedness, and the want of all things, without repining."

Here the aged man finished his story, and when I reflected how many young people there are, who have been always provided with food, warm clothing, and a comfortable shelter, and yet are little thankful for such favours, perhaps, sometimes discontented, I thought it might be well for them to hear, how nobly great sufferings were endured, by men of other times, who loved their country.

If any of you who now read this account, should ever travel through Morristown, and admire its