Supply Lines

With Independence Day approaching, we take a look back at what it must have been like nearly 250 years ago. American colonists had grown weary of King George's taxation and heavy handed regulations. Diplomacy had not accomplished the task of securing more representation and independence, so what to do? As it turns out, our ancestors had a rebellious streak. It's a good thing too or we may still be sending tax dollars to a monarchy 3,400 miles away. We can be thankful that the men and women of the eighteenth century were willing to step up and fight for independence. They faced a number of obstacles besides the Redcoats.

One of the most challenging exercises during the Revolutionary War was feeding soldiers. 230,000 soldiers served in the Continental Army and another 145,000 men served in the militia during the Revolutionary War. There were approximately 48,000 soldiers serving at any given time. That's a lot of people to feed. This was a challenge for General Washington and his troops. They didn't have refrigeration, so much of the meat was salted for preservation. The Continental army was supplied by farmers and shop owners who were willing to take a risk by accepting promissory notes as payment. They also had to consider the possibility that British troops would take retribution for their alleged "treason". According to the National Museum of American History, a soldier's rations varied depending on what was available. During the best times, this often consisted of a little flour, a bit of salted meat, and maybe some rice, peas or beans. When meat and veggies weren't available — which was a regular occurrence — soldiers made what they referred to as "fire cakes" with a little flour, salt, and water. This is why many succumbed to scurvy and malnourishment.

Maintaining supply lines during wartime is critical to successful campaigns as it gets hard to fight on an empty stomach. When food stocks ran low, many soldiers had to go on scavenging missions to secure food by hunting and foraging wild plants. Reports of farm thefts increased as the war continued and officers had to address these issues with farmers and local authorities. Despite the difficulties faced by colonists, the British had even more logistical challenges with a wide ocean separating forces from Britain. This proved too much to overcome as the years dragged on and colonists began sensing victory was a real possibility.

All the Best,  Team USWM