The 3rd NY Regiment at Fort Stanwix observed this same “Continental Thanksgiving” of 1777. Again, there is no mention of large feasts or celebrations. Lt. Col. Marinus Willett records simply in his orderly book the day before: “Tommorrow is the day appointed by Congress to be Observed as a day of publick thanksgiving throughout the United States. No duty will therefore be done in this garrison – tommorrow, unless it would but to mount the Necessary Guards.”
In other words, the public would show it’s appreciation for the regiment’s defense of the fort during the Siege of 1777 by giving the soldiers a day off. These sorts of activities would mark the public’s thanks to the Continental Army for the eight years of the Revolution. Even other holidays, such as Christmas and New Year’s, that would otherwise be considered a cause to celebrate were marked without fanfare; as illustrated by the records at Fort Schuyler below:
In other words, the public would show it’s appreciation for the regiment’s defense of the fort during the Siege of 1777 by giving the soldiers a day off. These sorts of activities would mark the public’s thanks to the Continental Army for the eight years of the Revolution. Even other holidays, such as Christmas and New Year’s, that would otherwise be considered a cause to celebrate were marked without fanfare; as illustrated by the records at Fort Schuyler below:
From the 3rd NY Orderly Book: January 1, 1778
All the fatigue Men to turn out to clean the Swamp S:W of the Garrison. Officer of the Day Tommorrow Capt Swartwout – Robert Cochran Majr Comt.
All the fatigue Men to turn out to clean the Swamp S:W of the Garrison. Officer of the Day Tommorrow Capt Swartwout – Robert Cochran Majr Comt.
All the fatigue Men to turn out to clean the Swamp S:W of the Garrison. Officer of the Day Tommorrow Capt Swartwout – Robert Cochran Majr Comt.
From the 1st NY Orderly Book: December 24, 1779
To Morrow being Christmas / Day no Fatigues to go Out. Every NC. Officer and Soldier / belonging to the Garrison being fit for Duty to draw one / Gill rum Tomorrow the orderly Sergeants of compys. To / Make their Returns Accordingly. to the Regt. QMaster -
From the Journal of Samuel Tallmadge:
Monday, December 25, 1780
Nothing Remarkable.
December 25, 1781
Last Evening fell a small snow.
For most of these soldiers, work never really ceased, and rest never really came. As we gather each year to give thanks for all the good things in our lives, it would do us well to also make time to remember those men, women, and children of the Continental Army. Those willing to give up the good things in their lives so we could enjoy the life we have today.
