North Carolina regiments at Valley Forge
Q.To what do you attribute the lack of definite knowledge regarding the location of the camp of the NC Brigade under Lachlan McIntosh?
J. Daniel, North Carolina
A.Various maps over the years have shown them clearly near Washington's headquarters. . . and 18th century documentation, including various Orderly Books of the encampment mention the N.C. Brigades near Sullivan's Bridge, which also gives credence to the location near Headquarters. There were 10 Continental Infantry Regiments from N.C. at Valley Forge. During the spring of 1778, the personnel of the 4th, 5th and 6th Regiments were absorbed by the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Regiments. The 7th, 8th and 9th Regiments were disbanded on May 27, 1778.
The N.C. troops were some of the hardest "sufferers" at Valley Forge. Being so far from home, their supplies were a long time coming. Poor's Brigade Orderly Book in the collection of the VFHS here, mentions on at least two occasions that the N.C. regiments get first pick of some incoming supplies because of their lack of proper food and clothing. They suffered very heavy losses compared to other regiments. There were 204 deaths out of 1,072 men. Each regiment, from any state was short approximately 400 men, although the range could be from 200 to 560 for each of the N.C. regiments. Washington wrote on December 27, 1777 that regiments were little more than companies in size.
