One of the most pathetic hardships of the soldier's life was due to the lack of boots.

More than one of Washington's armies could be tracked by the bloody footprints of his barefooted men.

Near the end of the war Benedict Arnold, who knew whereof he spoke, described the American army as "illy clad, badly fed, and worse paid," pay being then two or three years overdue.

On the other hand, there is evidence that life in the army was not without its compensations.

Enforced dwelling in the open air saved men from diseases such as consumption and the movement from camp to camp gave a broader outlook to the farmer's sons.