NOVEMBER 1779

A STORY

OF A

REVOLUTIONARY WAR SOLDIER

FROM

LEWES DELAWARE

By November 1779 the new Americans had been fighting four years against the British forces, the battles of Lexingron and Concord had been fought, the Continental Congress of America had formed an Army in which many men of Sussex county had enlisted. This is the story of one such soldier, known only as J.S., from Lewestown on the Delaware.

Long away from home, by months or even years, soldiers of the Continental Army longed for news from home, usually from letters promised from home. J.S. , however, was disappointed that these letters failed to arrive. J. S. did his part and sent letters to “My Dearest Girl” that he was now in Philadelphia and this, his fourth letter to Lewes, He told her he is in Philadeplhi on way to camp, which he has no idea where that will be, but that when there he will let her know the location so she can wright a reply. These Delaware troops were ordered to join other American troops in the south and when assembled marched through Philadelphia. Many had been in the field several years but had not yet receive full uniform and wore whatever, hunting shirts, common clothing, some in uniform, all with cocked hats, each with 'a green spring' the emblem of hope, and each with his firelock, a look of skillful training.

In the south they fought at Camden, Cowpens, and eventually at Yorktowne. It is not known the fate of J.S. However, this was the last letter he wrote; “ My Dearest Girl, Beleive me I am often ready to leave every engagement and run to the arms of her who I flatter myself wished to make me happy, farewell, do not neglect me. May god send aspeedy and honorable end to our troubles”.

Abstract from Delaware Diary , Michael Morgan.