Powder Kegs

"Litchfield, or the "meeting-house" of Litchfield, is situated on a large plateau more elevated than the surrounding heights; about fifty houses quite near each other, with a large square, or rather space in the middle, seem to fortell the progress of this town, which is already the county seat...

In addition to supplying the army with military stores, the Litchfield quartermaster also provided food and clothing for the soldiers. Several Litchfield men held that post throughout the war, including Julius Deming and Oliver Wolcott, Jr. The following quotes provide evidence of the difficulty they faced in raising adequate supplies, and the hardships the army endured without them.

"We have been anxiously waiting for Arms, which we expected to have drawn near Hd Qrs_ [Headquarters] Disappointed in this an order was given to obtain them from the Magazine at Litchfield. An officer was sent to receive them, but finding none at that place proceeded on to Springfield, & is finally returning without any. I am extremely anxious to have the men properly armed, for which purpose the Officer Capt. Edgar who will Commd [Command] them goes with this letter to Hd Qrs to receive your Excellency's further directions~"
Litchfield Historical Society, Tallmadge Collection, Benjamin Tallmadge to George Washington, August 11, 1779

"I am told, one landing South of this Place has a considerable Quantity of Wheat, & will not sell it_ use your own wisdom in the matter_ John Smith a little west of the Church_ has 30 Busshells to sell for hard money, but will have no hard damd Congress money_ pray sir impress it as your orders allow it, & justice demands it."
Litcfield Historical Society, Miscellaneous Collections, Simon Newell to Moses Seymour, n.d.

"…it is my friend a hard Case that our Army should sustain the fatigues of War in this rigorous Season & at the same time be unprovided with the necessities of life although we live in a land of plenty. I assure you it affects me sensibly when I sit down to an excellent dinner & at the same time reflect that many of those brave men who are exposing their lives in the field for my sake have neither food to eat nor raiment to put on."
Litchfield Historical Society, Pierce-Loring Collection, David Witherspoon to John Pierce January 18, 1780

"I believe the French Army cannot Contract for Supplies on Account that they have very little Cash and must procure their supplies with bills of exchange - bills of exg - are £75 hard Mo [Money] for £100 and no better and I think not like to be - Col. Wadsworth has of them to sell - his price is £80 hard for 100 in bills he ensists on £35 in hard the rest he will take in State Mo at the exchange I suppose at 2 ½ for 1 now"
Litchfield Historical Society, Quincy Collection, Epaphroditus Champion to Julius Deming, July 1, 1779

The following communication highlights the severity of the situation: "But at all events send on all the public Flour within your reach or we starve." Click on the image to see the entire document and its transcription.

Litchfield Historical Society, Miscellaneous Collections, Peter Colt to Major Moses Seymour, 1779 March 31