(Document D) As a result, many soldiers were in good spirits, as shown in the diary of Dr. Albigence Waldo, who wrote that, despite fatigue and illness, the
soldiers “still show a spirit of Alacrity (cheerful willingness) and contentment not to be expected from so young troops.” (Document C). Admittedly, while some will
argue that soldiers had every right to abandon their posts due to famine and other hardships (Document E), Washington’s ability to inspire his soldiers, and his
efforts to provide for them, made abandonment a crime.
Finally, soldiers at Valley Forge should have stayed because their help was even more important as the Continental Army had lost many soldiers.…