This Day in History: December 27

The Articles of Shoes, Stockings and Blankets demand the most particular attention, as the expenditure of them from the Operations and Common accidents of War we find robe greater than Articles of any others. I assure you, Sir, it is not easy to give you a just and accurate Idea of the Sufferings of the Troops at large. Were they to be minutely detailed, the relation so unexpected, so contrary to the common opinion of people distant from the Army, would scarcely be thought credible. I fear I shall wound your feelings by telling you that by a Field return on the 23d. Instant, we had in Camp not less than 2898 Men unfit for duty by reason of their being barefoot and otherwise naked; Besides these, there are many others detained at the Hospitals and in Farmers Houses for the same causes. [More]