Dear Great Uncles (X6) Samuel and Abraham. 

First, let me say that I am proud of you both for your part in history.  I actually discovered you quite by accident while searching for a different relative. 

Suddenly there you two were in a medical log at Valley Forge, suffering from scurvy while serving in the Continental Army. 

I learned that from December to February (1777-1778) you guys dealt with 6 to 16 degree weather that winter. 

Cold, sickness, and lack of proper food and clothing led many to desert. But you stood by General Washington, believing his words of impending relief and a better future.  

In August of 1779 you joined in a night raid under Major “Light Horse” Harry Lee and attacked the British fort at Paulus Hook (Powles Hook). The fort was positioned in what is now downtown Jersey City. 

You had a great victory that day in what is now known as a key battle in the Revolutionary War because it shifted American morale. You men took the fort, and although our side had to relinquish it as indefensible, fifty British soldiers were killed and 158 were captured.  

While we only suffered two casualties, one was unfortunately you, Uncle Samuel.  There is a monument to the battle still standing to this day in Pocket Park in Jersey City.

So, I bet you are wondering what kind of nation your suffering and sacrifice helped create?  

I can tell you that just under a hundred years later, the nation fought a bloody civil war over state versus federal rights. Thousands died, but the question of ‘all men were created equal’ was firmly solidified by the war and a race of enslaved people were freed.  

More than a hundred years later, the world exploded in two separate world wars. The country you helped establish joined both conflicts and turned the tide against great evils to re-establish world order. 

Unfortunately, wars are still being fought. Your descendants have fought in ALL of them. Some have died heroes.  

My daughter, who is your thirteen-year-old niece (X7) is half-Hispanic, born in the country you sacrificed to create. Her name is Grace. Recently her classmates called her a ‘border jumper’ and told her that she is sad because she is not white.  

This upset Grace greatly. So while many things have changed, some things have unfortunately not.  

I think it would make you smile to know that I relayed the story to Grace about her Great Uncles Samuel and Abraham who spent a frosty winter suffering with scurvy under General George Washington in the Continental Army. I explained that she was more American than the kids who were harassing her. This brought a huge smile to her face and she plans to do a history report/speech about the two of you. 

Your sacrifice for this great nation is still having IMPACT to this very day, 247 years later. That, my uncles, is a fantastic legacy.