When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few.
January 6, 1777 1st Encampment at Morristown
Remnants of the American forces (2,000 – 4,000 troops) after the battles of Trenton and Princeton are billeted in homes and structures from Princeton to the Hudson Highlands. Washington made Arnold’s Tavern by Morristown Green his headquarters.
Because of the war, Epidemics of smallpox and dysentery ran rampant in Morristown. Washington, therefore, had all the troops inoculated for smallpox using churches and homes used as hospitals and quarantine facilities.
To avoid the problems the Army faced at Trenton, Continental army enlistments were expanded to three years. This is the beginning of a regular, full-time professional army for America. Furthermore, The identity of the army changes with more men from the poor circumstances, more newly immigrated men, and colored soldiers.
Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 