A Soldier's Declaration of Independence


Letter from William Bayley to mother, October 23, 1780

Letter from William Bayley to mother, October 23, 1780
Item 10555   info
Maine Historical Society

Bayley in October 1780 tried to allay his mother's fears by telling her he had not reenlisted as she had heard and that he would be home in two months.

Click on the play button to hear Professor Leamon's comments on this letter:



Transcription of Professor Leamon's comments:

Another recurring theme throughout Bayley's letters to his mother is the poverty experienced by the typical American soldier, especially the lack of pay and of clothing. Bayley's letters make it clear how dependent soldiers were on family and hometowns for necessities such as shoes, stockings, and mittens, and so forth. But he does not whine or complain, he merely states his needs in unemotional terms: having described and exulted over Burgoyne's defeat, Bayley states laconically, "I should be glad if you could you send me a pair of mittens and some needles and thread and I will send you some money as soon as I get my wages. I have not had but four months wages since I come but I expect to have some soon."

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