Group+7

7

Dear loving Family The general has requested I report to Fort Ticondaroga. I hear there are battles going on there. I have had to sleep on the cold hard stone for 3 weeks. It has hurt my back to where I can no longer sleep. I haven't had a descent meal in for as long as I can remember.The best meal has been 3 biscuits and some coffee. Being a Continental Soldier has toughened me up. My uniform is in need of repair. The sleeves of my coat have holes in them. My trouses are missing thread in many spots. We are running low on weapons and ammunition. We roughley have enough musket balls for each soldier to fire about 9 rounds. Our cannons are going to have enough for maybe 12 rounds a piece. The battles are very hard when you can't fire your musket. I haven't had any training for Musket but i have had a fair amount of training in Drumming and Cannon. I have not been to any battles yet but we found 3 British spies. They were snooping around camp, and when they were in their tent, they were talking about how they were going to report our progress to General Howe. I have heard that the battles are grusome and horrible. I heard one group of soldiers lost their battle in New York and the British took all their rations. I hope they find something to eat. Well i can at least say that my living conditions are better than than the soldiers at ValleyForge. I hear they have waist deep snow and no shoes or blankets. I feel sorry for them. I have to sleep in a small tent with 2 other soldiers in whichs names I have yet to learn. It is warm enough during the day, but it gets bitterly cold at night. I must go now, I have recieved word that we are going to sneak into Fort Ticonderoga. Then onward to Quebec. I wish you well at home.

Your Loving Father and Husband, Nick