American Forces

(These images were taken at a reenactment and reflect period equipment and attire.
The interviews were conducted with re-enactors and express their viewpoints while in character.)

Interview of an American Woman in Camp

Jason and Kris: What is exactly is it that you do at this camp?

American Woman: My husband is here in camp and I joined him because there is nobody to work our farm and there is no way I could live at home. I am paid by a few of the officers to do their mending and their uniforms and do their laundry, and I cook for some of the men as well. This way I can spend time with my husband, not all of the time, but some time I can be with him, and I'm also provided for by the army. I get, as far as food, about a half of what my husband gets, my children get about a quarter of what my husband gets, and everybody works. If my husband died, I would have 24 hours to get remarried, or get out of camp because it's too expensive to have people in camp that are not really contributing all that much, although we contribute quite a bit.

JK: Do you follow the soldiers into the field of battle?

AW: No, on very rare occasions, perhaps if it is very hot, some of us might come along and haul water if necessary, but usually we just stay here in camp... and pray.

JK: How do you feel about this war?

AW: Well, we're fighting for independence. I support my husband, and he supports the cause. So we're all doing what we can. Some of our neighbors back home do not support the war.

JK: What have been some of the problems you have faced?

AW: American Woman: Well, we have a lot of sickness in camp, usually if one or two people gets sick, many others get sick as well. Of course we have to deal with the wounded as well, and we also have people who violate the rules and they have to be dealt with; Some people get kicked out of camp if necessary, but usually they end up sneaking back in if they can. We have women who decide they aren't going to do any work and become very lazy and that's against the rules, and if it's found out they will usually get into trouble. We have people who do things such as sell spirits in camp, which is illegal. Alcohol is part of the rations that people get, but others will come around and sell it and of course if you have too much, people are going to get drunk. Living conditions aren't very good, we're used to living in a comfortable home like this one right over here, [pointing to the Nielson House], and here we are having to sleep out here in tents and cook in these conditions and we don't usually have to do these things.

JK: Do you have any fears?

AW: I'm fearful of my husband's safety when he goes to fight each campaign. I'm afraid that one of us will get sick, he will get sick or the children will get sick and die.

JK: Have you had any tough experiences?

AW: Daily life, it's rough, it's harder than being at home, but not significanly so, we do have to deal with different kinds of conditions. I work almost 24 hours a day, sometimes at home, so working out here is just a different place to do it.