They were built nearly square, sixteen feet by fourteen, in rows, with the door opening on improvised streets.

Since boards were scarce, and it was difficult to make roofs rainproof, Washington tried to stimulate ingenuity by offering a reward of one hundred dollars for an improved method of roofing.

The fireplaces of wood were protected with thick clay.

Firewood was abundant, but, with little food for oxen and horses, men had to turn themselves into draught animals to bring in supplies.
Sometimes the army was for a week without meat.

Many horses died for lack of forage or of proper care, a waste which especially disturbed Washington, a lover of horses.