During the Continental Army's winter encampment of 1779 and 1780, George Washington stayed in the home of Mrs. Jacob Ford, Jr. (above), while many of his soldiers spent the bitter-cold months camping in tents while awaiting the completion of log cabins. That winter, with its 24 snow storms, proved to be the worst in the known history of the time. Most soldiers arrived on foot, poorly clad and packing virtually nothing but what they wore. Yesterday Steve and I went to Washington's Headquarters Museum in Morristown, NJ, which is operated by the National Park Service. It is easy for us to forget how many of our forefathers suffered for the freedom we have today. Some of the men endured with rags for shoes and only a blanket for protection. There were times when men went hungry for days, in some cases eating bark from the trees. How fortunate we are today to be the benefactors of such brave and committed men. Let us never forget the sacrifices they made. If you are in the Morristown, NJ area please consider a visit to the museum and Ford mansion, which played such an important part in our nation's history. Call 973-539-2016 for information.
