OR Post 2: 1776

As both sides are preparing for the inevitable war, both are growing more and more concerned. The Americans are trying to maintain and assemble an army worthy to fight the world power however, the enlistments are expiring for many and they would much rather be at home safe and warm for the winter. There is also another problem at hand, the problem of money. The government has no money to pay the troops with but is promising them money. The British on the other hand are worried about this insurrection, for it could mean loss of valuable land if they were to fail. The American generals were trying to plan an attack on Boston, which they knew could mean the decimation of the beloved town, and heavy troop causualties. Both sides were entrenched in such a way the other wouldn't be able to penatrate the defenses without many causualties. But as troop numbers dwindled and winter approaching fast, the attack would not be feasable for a while.
As the troops begin to wait out the winter they experience a lack of firewood and shelter. When King George's address to Parliament was copied and distributed on New Years day it summoned great patriotism for the cause and rekindled the fire of the revolution. And with New Years day being the day of new enlistments and the departure of old, it seemed as though the Americans had a sliver of a chance to take down the British war machine.
The theme of struggle is a constant one for the Americans. They are the underdog in the story and are never expected to take down Goliath (British). An example of the struggle to get through the winter is evident when Nathanial Greene writes, "We have burned up all the fences and cut down all the trees for a mile around our camp, our suffering has become inconcieveable" (67). While the Americans struggle to pay and keep their troops alive the British are only worried about their reputation and empire.