Patriots in Arms

While encamped at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777-1778, Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens, both aides-de-camp for General George Washington, shared the same small room and probably the same bed in the small stone house that was the headquarters for the Continental army. Many of Hamilton's letters reveal the bawdy and risque amusements many of the officers and enlisted men enjoyed during their long, monotonous winter hibernation until the spring campaigns would begin in April.