This Day in History: July 19

With respect to Food, considering we are in such an extensive and abundant Country, No Army was ever worse supplied than ours with many essential Articles of it. Our Soldiers, the greatest part of the last Campaign, and the whole of this, have scarcely tasted any kind of Vegitables, had but little Salt, and Vinegar, which would have been a tolerable Substitute for Vegitables, they have been in a great measures strangers to. Neither have they been provided with proper drink. Beer or Cyder seldom comes within the verge of the Camp, and Rum in much too small quantities; thus devouring large quantities of animal food, untempered by Vegitables, or Vinegar, or by any kind of Drink, but Water and eating indifferent Bread (but for this last a remedy is providing) is to be ascribed, the many putrid diseases incident to the Army, and the lamentable Mortality that attended us last Campaign. If these evils can be remedied the expence and trouble ought not to be obstacles. Though some kinds of vegetables are not to be had, others are; which, together with Sour Crout and Vinegar might easily be had, if proper persons, acquainted with the business, were employed therein. [More]

Perhaps a moment of reflection and gratitude would be appropriate before setting in to Sunday dinner...