*** Quote ***
Our Division are under Marching Orders this morning. I am ashamed to
say it, but I am tempted to steal Fowls if I could find them, or even
a whole Hog, for I feel as if I could eat one. But the Impoverish'd
Country about us, affords but little matter to employ a Thief, or keep
a Clever Fellow in good humour. But why do I talk of hunger and hard
usage, when so many in the World have not even fire Cake and Water to
eat....
It is not in the power of Philosophy...to convince a man he may be
happy and Contented if he will, with a Hungry Belly. Give me
Food, Cloaths, Wife and Children, kind Heaven! and I'll be as
contented as my Nature will permit me to be.
This Evening a Party with two field pieces were order'd out. At 12 of
the Clock at Night, Providence sent us a little Mutton, with which we
immediately had some Broth made, and a fine Stomach for same. Ye who
Eat Pumkin Pie and Roast Turkies, and yet Curse fortune for using you
ill, Curse her no more, least she reduce you Allowance of her favours
to a bit of Fire Cake, and a draught of Cold Water, and in Cold
Weather too.
*** Quote ***