Gates' Army at Stillwater in the state of New York. Was in the Battle of the 7th October, 1777, when we gained a complete victory over the British army under the command of Burgoyne, and was present at the surrender of his army ten days after the Battle. This surrender was on the 17th of Oct., 1777. A good haul upon the British Boys of over 6,000 'men.

"About the first of November in this year, marched with Gen. Gates' army to Pennsylvania at a place called White Marsh, a long tedious march, suffered greatly for shoes, clothes and provisions. Some of the soldiers died on the way and some were obliged to leave on account of their sufferings.

"At White Marsh we joined Gen. Washington's grand army and soon after our whole army marched to Valley Forge, about thirty miles from Philadélphia, on the Schuylkill river, where we built huts and wintered.

"Gen. Washington divided his men into parties of twelve, and ordered each party to build a hut for its own accommodation. These rude structures, sixteen feet long and fourteen feet wide, with walls six and a half feet high, were built of logs and lined with clay, with rough chimneys. The officers' quarters were like these, but a little larger. The weather became bitterly cold and the sufferings almost beyond endurance. Both Washington and Congress were powerless to provide new clothing. Our bare feet were through our worn-out shoes, nearly naked from the tattered remains of our only pair of stock

ings, our breeches hanging in strings, our faces thin from hunger, and a forsaken look on all. The horses died of starvation, and the men harnessed themselves to sleds and hauled their wood and scanty provisions.

"Surely we, who enjoy the blessings of Liberty, will remember the terrible winter at Valley Forge, 1778.

"About the first of April I was transfered from this Regiment to Gen. Washington's Life Guard, commanded by Caleb Gibbs, Major, belonging to Massachusetts, William Livingston of New York, Captain, William Colfax of Connecticut, 1st Lieutenant, John Grimes of Virginia, 2d Lieutenant, Edwards of Connecticut, 3d Lieutenant, Notch of Virginia, 2d Sargent, Harris of Connecticut, * 3d Sargent, Young of Virginia, 4th Sargent, Jones of Virginia, 5th Sargent, Seth Sturtevant of Massachusetts, 1st Corporal, Ephraim Eddy of Massachusetts, 2d Corporal, Forbes of Rhode Island, 3d Corporal, Randolph of Virginia. 4th Corporal,Law of Connecticut, 5th Corporal. All told, one hundred and fifty Rank and File.

"Headquarters remained at Valley Forge until the British army evacuated Philadelphia in June, and then Gen. Washington pursued the British army and overtook them at Monmouth, New Jersey, on the 28th of June, where, a severe battle was fought. Gen. Washington's army had the pre-eminence, causing the British to retreat to Sandy

Hook at night, where they went on board of their shipping which carried them to the city of New York.

Seventy-two of the Life Guard, myself among the number, were detached to Col. Morgan's Reg. of Riflemen, as a Flank Guard at the Battle of Monmouth. Gen. Washington's army then marched up the west side of the Hudson river and crossed the ferry to White Plains, New York. I remained in the Life Guard until my three-years' enlistment had expired, when I received an honorable discharge. The following is a copy:

COPORAL-SETH STURTEVANT of the Corps of Guard, having served the time out for which he was engaged, is discharged the service of the United States.

Given under my hand at Headquarters, Morristown, this first day of June, 1780.

C. GIBBS, M. C. GUARDS.

RECOMMENDATION.

I do certify that Coporal SETH STURTEVANT has served two years and three months in his Excellency's, Gen. Washington's Life Guard, under my command, that during this period of time he has not been absent from the Guard 24 hours unless on duty.

I furthermore say that he has been vigilent and attentive to every duty of his office, and is worthy of the esteem of his Country.

Headquarters, Morristown, New Jersey, June 1st, 1780. C. GIBBS, M. C. GUARDS.