Enduring Winter During the Revolutionary War

New Instagram - @18thcenturycooking
A few excerpts from "A Hessian Diary of the American Revolution" and "Memoir of a Revolutionary Soldier: The Narrative of Joseph Plumb Martin"
Memoir of a Revolutionary Soldier ▶ amzn.to/2CT9u8i ▶▶
A Hessian Diary of the American Revolution ▶ amzn.to/2kTvetj ▶▶
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[@townsends]

Get your Townsends merch here! ▶ www.townsends.us/merch-store.html

[@rosemcguinn5301]

(My reply disappeared "unknown error") "All are sober realities." Puts it all in proper perspective, doesn't it? Great video. Your firelight reading really does lend itself well this time. Great to see you in uniform once again as well. THANK YOU, sir, for covering this subject again!!! :))))))

[@lachlanmccutcheon1655]

"Posterity! You will never know, how much it cost the present Generation, to preserve your Freedom! I hope you will make a good Use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven that I ever took half the Pains to preserve it." John Adams - 1777

[@chickensbelike2790]

Yummy tree twigs

[@rosemcguinn5301]

Thank you Lachlan. Brilliant quote

[@theemmyfandom]

That nutmeg shirt! I know what I'm saving for

[@LazyCookPete]

Enduring cold is tough enough on arctic rations of about 8,000 kcal/day; but with poor clothing and an empty belly, it must have been a frozen Hell. This is a moving account of one of the great episodes of human endurance.

[@zaphodtoasty9208]

basically your body is using the extra calories to maintain normal body temperature, the lower the temperature gets, the harder your body has to work and so the more calories it has to burn.

[@bcaye]

Testimony to their dedication to obtaining freedom.

[@2adamast]

More like 4000 to 5000 kcal today. Less for the then smaller European migrants. Even for ideal condition/food 8000 kcal is near impossible to digest.

[@L.Spencer]

I've heard they eat butter to get enough calories.

[@samuelrs5138]

No, it's not about your body "using the extra calories to maintain normal body temperature" but the fact that the digestion process itself produces a lot heat. So basically you want food in your stomach 24/7, it's even very important to eat right before you sleep. The extra calories are important too because you do exert more energy in the cold [your muscles are constantly seizing [shivering] and are usually always contracted [flexed] as it's a way your body unconsciously generates heat with the seizing and providing both insulation and heat with the constantly contracted muscles]. Finally, fat is an awful conductor of heat so the fat you put on is like an organic pair of long johns! If you've noticed,arctic animals always are extremely fat [especially for those who have it worst by being in freezing water like whales/sea-lions/penguins] and/or very muscular and/or furry/feathery... all ways to keep warm... and is the reason why you dont see things like reptiles or bugs because they rely 100% on the sun since they have literally no fat/fur/feathers at all... and its why Inuit people are fatter, its in their DNA through survival-of-the-fittest{fattest!} because a skinny eskimo is a dead eskimo! And what do they wear? Bear/wolf pelts!!!! sorry this was so long.... i just love the intricate symbiosis of nature and got carried away..... thanks if anyone read it!!!

[@docsavagefan2795]

Makes you feel humble for all that we have.

[@rosemcguinn5301]

Indeed. That it does.

[@Amar7605]

Humble and blessed.

[@worldofretrogameplay6963]

Mark Desrosiers It truly does.

[@garcalej]

Humility is not a trait I tend to associate with most modern Americans. Especially the “patriotic” ones.

[@Ultrad321]

Our ancestors suffered and fought for their (and our) liberty. We honor their memory.

[@lachlanmccutcheon1655]

"Posterity! You will never know, how much it cost the present Generation, to preserve your Freedom! I hope you will make a good Use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven that I ever took half the Pains to preserve it." John Adams - 1777

[@rosemcguinn5301]

Great quote

[@notsoancientpelican]

Lachlan Mccutcheon The Masses do the fighting and the suffering in Revolution, and afterward, they do as they are told by the New Masters installed by Revolution. Freedom is only a relative term and Rights are a fiction maintained so long as they suit the Masters, and discarded in whole or in part as soon as they don’t.

[@josephforrestbender8947]

Well Said Mr. Adams.

[@sulfuricdumbass389]

Silence b o o m e r

[@projectcerebus]

And the nerve who burn the Flags nowadays!

[@bbee8829]

Your content should be standard issue for History students. I am recommending it for supplimental learning . You and your work is greatly appreciated,. Tell your crew Merry Christmas .

[@lavenderflowersfall280]

Hehehe the stuff would never be taught in schools unless we had a really exceptional teacher

[@i-never-look-at-replies-lol]

American history is now too "Ameri-centric" for America lol

[@joeezetta2064]

When I was in the Army December 1991 Ft. Bliss El Paso, Texas my training class almost froze to death. We were outside for days with no cold weather clothes, fires or anything to keep warm. I thought my foot was frozen solid. I had to take my boot off to see if my foot was still there. When we finally got back to the barracks inside where it was warm everyone started to shiver. Our blood was so cold we did not realize how cold we were outside. Then stepping into a warm area we could feel how cold our blood was. That is a very strange feeling.

[@tracegates8841]

Thank you for your service.

[@asimian8500]

Complete incompetence from your leadership at every level. They should have been charged with dereliction of duty.

[@josephjohnson6849]

No cold weather stuff, not even the polypro or woobie?

[@philellis388]

Try going to ft drum NY cold weather training was held there 7 days in pure hell the warmest day was -10 without the windchill

[@drsch]

I used this video today as a US History teacher. We just finished a unit on the Revolutionary war and I really loved the primary source you used here so I put together a reflection worksheet for this video. Thanks for the content!

[@toddcunningham3213]

Too many history teachers use watered-down accounts of what "historians" have essentially done a book report on, then injected their opinions into it as a source, instead of using primary sources themselves. It's a shame, because there are so many readily available books, journals, diaries, collections, etc. of people who had personal firsthand accounts of what actually happened. Heck, there are major things that happened in this country 3 weeks ago, where it has already been changed and watered-down by people who weren't even there.

[@cooksmary]

One of my ancestors was a captain in the Revolution. His diary is available through inter-library loan. I found it so interesting to read this from his own hand. My own birth came through him, and one of his later born children, which made me think how truly miraculous it is that any of is is here. He fought in all the major battles, including Yorktown, where he was injured, nearly fatally. But he did survive, so I am here.

[@Tsiri09]

As a Veteran, what they went through beaks my heart. They fought to be the first truly free country in the world. It's still worth defending today.Thank you for sharing this.

[@guylewis7418]

Thank you for your service.

[@benitomussolini7382]

No one has ever been truly "free".

[@ViktoriousDead]

barnyard what proof do you have? I'm interested

[@jacobbutler6049]

it was only freedom for white people European native American blacks an all other non white people where to be the burden bearer's for the true citizens of this country you say is free we as in ndns native American what ever they call us were not free until the 1978 to practice our religion

[@Madmun357]

I don't know...The Cherokee Nation WAS pretty free. Souix Nation kinda was too. The Apaches were free. In fact, none of them paid taxes, so they were kinda more free than we are.

[@johnb7401]

One of my friends is a direct descendant of Joseph Plumb Martin. His dad joined the Sons of the American Revolution through him. I have several relatives who died at Valley Forge, so this has a special meaning to me.

[@rosemcguinn5301]

One of mine most likely knew yours, then.

[@tomservo5347]

It's been said the ferocity with which the Continentals attacked Trenton was inspired by knowing if they won they'd get food, blankets, supplies, medicine. Starving, cold, tired troops that were up all night crossing the Delaware in the cold had a serious point to prove to the nicely provisioned, professional, warmly billeted Hessian troops that had skewered many of their friends at earlier encounters.

[@koggyb]

Read at Valley Forge: "THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, ..." Thomas Paine

[@genixia]

Wrong year. Read in '76 prior to the crossing of the Delaware, when Washington had just a bare-bones army left after most men's contracts had expired. Of the few thousand he had, many were expiring at the end of December. He appealed to them to stay an extra month, and it's in that context that Thomas Paine's address should be examined. Conditions were poor - food was short, and none were equipped for winter. The revolution was just about failed. Enough "Winter Soldiers" stayed to make the crossing, and the bold attacks on Trenton and Princeton were a turning point. Valley Forge was the following year, and was brutally cold, but by then the Continentals were in the ascendancy.

[@ayylmao4464]

I remember reading this exact quote in history class haha

[@Animei9]

How incredibly touching. They don't teach this sort of thing in school. Not to this extent. They tell us that the soldiers had it hard. Most of us can't really conceive of what that actually means. You bring it to life. To think what our forbearers went through to give us this nation. I'm truly moved. Thank you for this wonderful video

[@i25island46]

I actually did learn this in school lol.

[@ASingleChimera]

I remember the hardest part about Army basic training was no doubt the cold. The wind was relentless, windchill in the single digits! That said, we had winter gear and although often it seemed to have helped very little, I can only imagine how miserable cold would be without modern technology. It truly is amazing to look back on generations of soldiers past and to see their struggles, and I'm thankful for those high speed patriots that were able to endure such hardships so long ago. Very motivating!

[@ThePatriotNurse]

Makes me so grateful!!!

[@s.leemccauley7302]

Me too. K hD 6th great grandfather who walked fo. North Carolina to valley forge . He .ust havd suffered terribly but he. Haaged the English and their king

[@gray5627]

I have read Joseph Plumb Martin's book, and recommend it highly. I think it should be included in school reading as well, as it is written in a way to make a person feel as if they are right there with the soldiers. I love to camp, but cannot imagine sleeping in bitter weather with no blankets, food or water. Our soldiers are a fine brave lot!! Thanks for sharing, and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, your family, and your team!! :-)

[@strokeraceventura2550]

Gray Hiker which book? I looked him up after reading your comment and he has a few that I found.

[@nikkolettguyer4913]

Gray Hiker it should be read by everyone who enlists in the armed forces of the United States. It will show how you will be treated afterward .

[@Noneya5241]

I think his book should be a required read for every American student!!!

[@aidanngreenwolfe200]

I found myself not wanting this video to be over with. Wonderful information. I absolutely enjoyed it!

[@roguevirus]

While I enjoy your cooking shows, I really wish you did more videos like this regarding the human experiences of the revolutionary period. Please do more, and Merry Christmas!

[@theallnaturalme]

Lucky to be living in this day in age...even when sometimes we can take it for granted! Being cold is no joke. This winter I had to endure three months without heating and one without any hot water. It was truly difficult at times and really affected my mind! I'm so grateful to have heating again and will never take it for granted again.

[@iartistdotme]

Searching for Christmas recipes and found old article from Martha Stewart Living magazine many years ago: "Original Recipe for Fish Chowder published in the Boston Evening Post on Sept. 23, 1751.This was first recipe for chowder to appear in this country. It's musicality and rhyming may have made it easy to remember, as many colonists never learned to read." "First lay some Onions to keep the Pork from burning, Because in Chouder there can be no turning: Then lay some Pork in Slices very thin, Thus you in Chouder always must begin. Next lay some Fish cut crosswise , very nice, Then season well with Pepper, Salt and Spice: Parsley, Sweet Marjoram, Savory and Thyme. Thus your Foundation laid, you will be able, To raise a Chouder, high as Tower of Babel: For by repeating o're the Same again, You may make Chouder for a thousand Men. Last Bottle of Claret, with Water eno' to smother 'em, You'l have a Mess which some call Omnium gather 'em." I thought you may enjoy this and Merry Christmas from a devout follower!

[@byelochka]

Great video! As an Infantryman, I'm no stranger to enduring the cold, albeit with modern equipment. I make a point every Christmas to read the accounts of the suffering and misery of the Continentals who crossed the Delaware to launch a successful attack on the Hessians at Trenton on Christmas 1776. Those guys had some serious stones, and some grit in their bones that folks today can't even imagine. Thanks for shining a light on these men. Merry Christmas.

[@bruhism173]

There balls kept them warm, I know mine do.

[@purplealice]

I live in New Jersey, where most of those events took place. (I'm not far from the Monmouth Battlefield.) We've had some pretty brutal winters, although not so many in recent years. But when the power goes out and leaves us without light, heat, or internet access, it's not hard to imagine what those 18th-century soldiers had to endure!

[@andrewtyleryoung]

The struggles of these soldiers reminds me how nice it is to be warm. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas Townsends.

[@OmegaWolf747]

If that doesn't make one thankful for what one has in this day and age, I don't know what will.

[@charlesdavis9937]

The only battle I know my ancestor fought in was the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. He was in the Colonial Cavalry in Lee’s Legion. I read the book, the memoirs of Joseph Plum Martin. It is a great read. From the time he enlisted to the end of the war. All the hardships he went through.

[@SandraNelson063]

The mad courage of these people! THIS is what the Declaration and the Constitution is about!

[@hooper4581]

Outstanding pbs should be jealous

[@kellyaraujo273]

Hooper45 .... PBS couldent hold a Candle

[@alvinmeeks5742]

The price paid for this Nation, was and is staggering,

[@Teelirious]

Thank YOU. Admire your dedication to craft and your respect for a subject you clearly love. It's infectious.

[@onemercilessming1342]

For anyone who can possibly make the trip to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, I recommend it highly. I don't think I ever really appreciated how difficult the winter of 1777-78 was until I toured the grounds there.

[@mowilderness8505]

Morristown was even worse

[@charlesphillips3951]

People go berserk if their cable goes out now. That must have been such a difficult existence back then.

[@battycowboy]

Charles Phillips theu didnt have cable in those times so they could not miss it

[@mikepawlikguitar]

people nowadays are spoiled, useless little F*s that burden our planet, act entitled and do zero to advance humanity in any, way, shape or form. It's a pathetic shell of true human resolve; and our next generations will only exacerbate this problem.

[@tamlandipper29]

Thinking about it, they may have been a bit highly strung then, too. After all, you chaps started a war because we taxed tea....

[@TheWonkster]

Michael Pawlik I’m sure you’ve made great strides to better human existence and didn’t knowingly benefit from the abject destruction of the earth. You’re an excellent one to talk.

[@pandahsykes602]

Tamlan Dipper it was about freedom ; not tea ... lol ... something you brits will never understand !

[@Whammytap]

Thank you for reminding us how amazingly blessed we are. Merry Christmas to you and your family, Mr. Townsend!

[@susangordon2908]

They endured so much. You don't realize how much until you hear some of their thoughts. I thank them for what they put up with so we can have what we have today. Don't know if we could do what they did.

[@ancientflounder]

It's hard to fathom not only having to exist in those conditions, but also having to be a part of a fighting force at the same time. Combat was different in those days, but low morale is always a problem, no matter the time period. It's a testament to those who endured and survived it.

[@JohnSmith-td7hd]

Love these journal readings. Thanks.

[@tsuruky88]

I really enjoy these story time videos. Keep 'em coming!

[@Seresue]

This video was extremely well shot and laid out. It really makes the information you convey very powerful. Keep up the amazing work!

[@mstuartjones7800]

Jon, thanks for giving a little in sight into these soldiers lives during the Revolution... It was interesting Quaker Hill mentioned if it is the same one where I grew up in upstate NY as it is where the battle for Big and Little Purgatory were fought. Of note General Washington's HQ was in the Kane House in the town of Petersburg which is today Pawling NY... Joseph Plum Martin gives reference to the Quaker Hospital which sits on the top of Quaker Hill and both are still standing today... Many people do not realize the suffering and sacrifice of our soldiers during this time period... As a Boy Scout we did winter camping on Quaker Hill and I can tell you from first hand experience that the snow of upstate NY combined with wind and cold is as cold and miserable as these journals describe, even worse when you realize they were forced to survive it in the open or with minimal shelter and usually with only a wool blanket to wrap up in... For any of your living historians who watch this channel there is an Adirondack log lento on Quaker Hill as part of the Appellation Trail where they can camp and experience these journal entries first hand in the winter to get an appreciation of what you have shared with us,... Keep up the good work...

[@tracegates8841]

Very interesting.

[@j.c.reilly4889]

We should appreciate what these men sacrificed to give us a New Nation...and we should act accordingly to preserve it now!

[@nicolewooldridge9683]

You are awesome at enlightening your audience, thank you.

[@eppe944]

Awesome stories truly. Makes you see back in time. And that scenery completes the feel. Thank you for the great video!

[@Smedley60]

I have enjoyed all of your videos from the beginning. But these are easily my favorite. You used the key word. Perspective. Thank you.

[@TomsBackwoods]

very interesting! Even in misery they still made journal entries.The strength of those men and women is incredible !

[@ZemplinTemplar]

Another excellent video in your series on soldiers' lives during the ARW era. Thank you and Merry Christmas.

[@moonlitedaze5688]

These are heartbreaking stories of our history. Thank you for sharing stories of our soldiers who suffered much for our early causes.

[@adamburdt8794]

I like how you keep coming with the knowledge, and keeping things fresh

[@thee.c.r.gtherealmoftheunk3717]

You provide an education that is not only very enjoyable and very well presented you bring a nature of authenticity to your videos that makes for a very smooth delivery and top notch performance thanks again!

[@SamuraiPie8111]

the guys that endured valley forge were the toughest men on earth, apart from primitive man who fought mammoths with sticks

[@kodingkrusader2765]

Bastogne was pretty rough too

[@larryfinley9221]

I went to Valley Forge in the December cold, and walked around the various camps where these men were deployed. I got a taste of what they went through, and it is not a pleasant place to winter. It took a lot of work, just to stay alive. Also, they weren't getting their supplies, and had to send out companies of troops to forage and commandeer provisions from farms in the area. Misery was their constant companion. Frankly, I have a lot of respect for these guys. These soldiers define the word fortitude.

[@megasonify4800]

How about lil' Billy fighting for his life v. cancer, tough too? You cannot say any one group were/is the toughest. One of the toughest, of course.

[@h1m37m]

@@megasonify4800 that's not the same, and let's be honest, we call little Billy "brave" eventhough bravery has nothing to do with the unfortunate circumstance that is cancer. Brave is choosing hell, not clawing out if it once there.

[@megasonify4800]

Brave? That's more complicated than being tough at a young age. Srry ma'am, I disagree. Let it rest and run along; you obviously missed the central theme of my post.

[@ironzentaur]

Greetings from Germany. I really like your channel. Love your Videos and the way you are getting recipies out of the 18 century. It is a really fun of watching them. I wish a happy new year and please... Go on!

[@rollinpatrolin6218]

Awesome video Jon! Looking good in that soldier uniform 👍 thank you for the video! ☺

[@AlwaysBelieve777]

Thank you for your channel. Have a wonderful christmas

[@81iand]

Makes me even more appreciative of what they fought for. We owe it to them to keep it in a way that would make it worth their sacrifice

[@logoplasm]

Somber topic but wonderfully shot video. Keep up the good work!

[@TDanger1911]

These are some of my favorite types of vids on your channel! I miss the sad music, But I'm glad to see them making a comeback!

[@noahmotion6101]

thank you for all your videos. I am so pleased that I subscribed to this channel. I love watching them. thank you again.

[@joepergolizziiii266]

Love this video! Awesome job Jon :)

[@yokobono3324]

Remembering my ancestor who wintered at Valley Forge. Rest in peace and thank you for your sacrifices.

[@rosemcguinn5301]

One of my mom's too...RIP and thank you

[@aought2]

And mine as well... how he survived that, I don't know. If he hadn't, I wouldn't be here such as I am.

[@rosemcguinn5301]

They had GUTS back then. (thoughts of St Crispin's Day speech from henry V by Shakespeare)"...He that shall live this day, and see old age, Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours, And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian:' Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars. And say 'These wounds I had on Crispin's day.' Old men forget: yet all shall be forgot, But he'll remember with advantages What feats he did that day: then shall our names. Familiar in his mouth as household words Harry the king, Bedford and Exeter, Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester, Be in their flowing cups freshly remember'd. This story shall the good man teach his son; And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by, From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be remember'd; We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;...."

[@melanieshearman4678]

Isn’t is wonderful when your family history butts right up against historical events!

[@russellmanuel9862]

As always a great job! The video does bring it home! Thank you

[@GPHr-bx8xi]

Love your channel! First time commenting. Just imagining the hardship these men must have gone through is astounding. We have come so far! Thank you for your amazing work, much love to you. You are an inspiration!

[@randys6523]

Merry Christmas, my you tube friend, thanks for all you do to make life more interesting! Keep up the good work.

[@ThePointlessBox_]

I'd love more journal videos, especially war ones, it puts the whole "war is hell" phrase into perspective, like the book "all is quiet on the eastern front"

[@sutlers2day]

Well Sherman made the war is hell statement many years later during the civil war... nevertheless, war is still hell.

[@theroamer5468]

Eye-opening. And a big thanks to you Townsends, been a fan of your work for a while now. I love my history and you bring it alive.

[@appalachiashomesteadwithpatara]

Thank YOU for brining us real history and perspective! Have a blessed Christmas & Happy New Year! ~ Patara & Family

[@kellyaraujo273]

JOHN !!!! you are a true man and you inspire me

[@anderwmarcell9503]

Outstanding presentation ,sir simply outstanding

[@RicaRoseHopeful_Voluntarist]

Thanks Townsends! Have a great Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@TimAdkinsWV]

I absolutely love your videos, I have been trying a lot of the recipes that you share and I cannot begin to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed them.

[@jeepersdelight]

Great installment!!

[@wildernessfieldjournal8211]

Great video, it really makes one appreciate what we have this Christmas due to the sacrifices of our forefathers. I’ve been to Valley Forge many times and it’s hard to imagine just how tough it must have been for Washington’s soldiers. Thanks for sharing those moving passages.

[@cm24624]

Thanks for these videos!

[@scottfidsmore9277]

Very good editing. Thank you

[@elkhunter8664]

Tough men for tough times. Puts our modern complaints to shame.

[@haidengeary8277]

Thats illogical, it makes no sense whatsoever. People are used to what they are used to.

[@pottingmix3733]

How is getting frost bite make you tough. If anything those poor soldiers probably would envy modern conditions.

[@elkhunter8664]

Yes. That was my point. They were tougher and able to survive horrible conditions of extreme cold and little food. That is the point of the entire video.

[@pottingmix3733]

They were not able to survive as you heard in the video some of them froze to death.

[@williameaton9058]

Modern troops are physically tougher (stamina wise) due to a high degree of endurance training (in comparison). But I'll say this from personal experience of Iraq, I was never short of water or food...let alone ammunition. I'll never be able to say Ive suffered as bad as they did.

[@emilyfrederick4535]

I live right near Valley Forge . It is a very interesting place to visit. My son has done some cold weather camping there when it was 5 degrees out. I think the Boy Scouts enjoyed it despite the extreme cold!

[@robertmorin6160]

John, you are a great story teller! Love this channel

[@mikewysko2268]

Enjoyed the letters and camp. Feels like we went on a time trip. Well done Sir.

[@syabushcraft3417]

Great video, but I hope this turns into a series. The life of a 18th century soldier part 1 through 5 maybe. Great job filming in the cold.

[@boro4316]

i am just learning about you and the vlog ,really wonderful.

[@magmathon2]

I stumbled upon a cooking show you did and fell in love with the whole history lessons you bring to the table. The fact of recreating a scene to set the mood of the show you are doing is like a little time travel to see what life was like and really get the feel for it. Love it.

[@joesimon8610]

Good stuff. I appreciate nostalgia and the style in which you recount it.

[@Edcognito]

Thank you!

[@fireman89406]

Those sound like a great read. As a side note many desertions that winter. One of my great grandfathers deserted to go to sea.

[@CarrotConsumer]

I don't blame him.

[@pastayumyum]

Thank you for your videos and the time you give for the research.

[@brianfuller5868]

I love history and your channel is incredible. Your passion is evident.

[@lesahanners5057]

Thanks so much for the book recommendations, I just finished Nicholas Creswell's journal and it was a fascinating read. My husbands 5th grt. grandfather, John John, was a cousin to George Washington and was known as a giant. He was seven feet tall and weighed 250 pounds, and was a miller by trade. At Valley Forge a grist mill was seized and George Washington put John John in charge of it, for the feeding of the troops. It was very hard to find grain to grind at the mill, but John John did the best he could and always considered it a brevet distinction. He also served at times as George Washington's bodyguard. John's wife, Barbara Evans was a small woman of under five feet in height. She lived to be 104. John was with Washington at the surrender of Cornwalis. You reading first hand accounts of that time really brought home to me how our ancestors suffered for the sake of the freedoms we have today. Thanks so much for your readings, they are an inspiration to all of us. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU AT TOWNSENDS!

[@jerrycoon4504]

I love learning and hearing about the revolutionary war period. The things those men and women did during that time was amazing. I wish they taught more of that in schools today.

[@worldofretrogameplay6963]

Please, turn this into a series! I could listen to you read that journal for hours! I really enjoyed this.

[@VestaLouise]

Your videos are breathtakingly beautiful! The snow in twilight next to a wonderful warm lighted fire framed by the wood thingy & your awesome story telling. Love this! Thanks so much

[@sexycavetroll2788]

I have Crohn's and I've had over 10 surgeries. That being said anytime I get overwhelmed by my situation I recall a similar set of journals my elementary school teacher had us read from the men in the rev. War during winter. It's still some of the most harsh conditions I've heard for a human.

[@partizanforces3064]

I love ur work so much

[@ChoctawNawtic4]

Thank you for sharing this history.

[@sandravalani359]

Thanks Jon for reminding us why we must continue to stand up for our freedom and be very grateful for what we have!!! Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones!!!😄😊☺

[@mikecubes1642]

you made me feel cold and sad for the men who froze back then

[@novad511]

The first time I visited Valley Forge was in the winter. I was layered and in great boots and on and off a school bus. I was still freezing! I couldn't understand how they made it through winter against such horrible odds.

[@jrgaston8891]

Thank you and Merry Christmas.

[@StonyRC]

Another extremely interesting video - your subjects are so varied and always educational. Many Thanks from a Revolutionary in The Old Country.

[@MegaGlupe]

great video, I love the recipes , but these "lifestyle" ones really help put everything into perspective!

[@kevinbyrne4538]

Thanks again, John, for reminding us again that - despite our grumbling - we have it easy compared to our ancestors.

[@rosemcguinn5301]

Yes indeed. It's humbling, isn't it?

[@donpowlen]

One of your best videos ever! It really drives home the hardships soldiers faced in winter during the 18th century.

[@Shungabali]

Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones and thank you so much for the great videos you post

[@OcotilloTom]

As a retired combat Marine...makes me glad I live in Arizona! Gy.Sgt. Tom Boyte, USMC aka Arizona Tom

[@sir9integra9jr]

I hope I can make a career that I love as much as you clearly love yours. Thanks for sharing your passion for history!

[@kenycharles8600]

Thank you for this presentation.