Helenmollybooks

To Thomas Jefferson                                                                      Valley Forge Decemb 26^th, 1777

(Private)

My dear sir,

This is a rather unusual and odd letter that I should send to you. I take the liberty of sollicting the most serious of cases that I myself have garnished the need to send such a letter. After a splendid meal and drink with the Troops yesterday,  a sickness of strange origin has enveloped my camp. Smallpox would logically make sense yet yesterday, as the Troops took meal and drink, one in camp who sick with delirium and great thirst, overtook and injured the Troops. To-day, I saw with my own eyes that the men overtook spotted impressions of teeth on wounds. Colors of green and brown mix on their skin. Consequently and most notably, the men injured in camp soon when waking looked to overtake more. Their mouths ran red wth blood. Rope holds them on wood. My dear sir, this is not a exaggeration. We were to cross the fierce water, I fear we shall remain here. I fear our Supplies leaving us too soon. I pray we may have strength to advance the Enemy. Her Royal Highness traverses at noon on the west bank. I ask and pray you note and frame these words I speak, and to Congress. With sincere esteem and friendship,

I am, always, Your Affectionate

                                                                        Go: Washington