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VlHq tan,The historic associations that cluster about Philadelphia andenvirons are familiar to every American patriot. There is one place of imperishable renown a few miles distant from that fcity on the right bank of the Schuylkill river; it is memorable for the sufferings of Washington’s army during the winter of 1777*8. At that date it was only a hamlet, containing a blacksmith shop, hence the name. Valley Forge.It is recorded that there was then living in that vicinity a leather merchant named Benjamin Fell; he was a devout member of the Religious Society of Friends. The members of that society conscientiously refuse to “study war” or take up arms against their fellow-meo.But in December, 1777, whenhe saw General Washington’s troops, barefoot and suffering as they passed on the march to Val ley Forge, his sympathy was so aroused and his patriotism so intensified that he laid aside his peace-loving principles and offered his supplies and premises to the General until the leather was all made into shoes fo** the soldiers.For that brave act, Sir William Howe, the haughty commander-in-chief of the British forces, bid a reward of one thousand five hundred pounds ($7500) for his head, and five hundred pounds ($2500) for the head of his son John, but General Washington gave them a safe refuge within his lines.After the bitter struggle for liberty and independence was over, Mrs. Basel, the daughter of Benjamin Fell, used to relate how she had seen her father's house filled from cellar to garret with Continental soldiers, making and mending shoes, for their barefoot comrades at Valley Forge.He was a member of the General Assembly of Pennsylvaniain 1781, as we learn from the fol lowing summons, the original document being now in the possession of his descendants.“Philadelphia, May 2, 1781.Sir—The present state of public affairs, requiring the meeting of the Assembly before the time of adjournment; the Couucil in Pursuance of the Powers vested in them, have appointed Thursday, the 24th Instant, at the Stale House iu Philadelphia for that purpose; at which time and place you are requested to attend.By order of the Council,T. Matlock, Secy.To Benjamin Fell, Esq, one ofthe Representatives in GeneralAssembly, for the County of
Newspaper Details
Bedford Daily Mail
Bedford, Indiana, US
Thu, Dec 20, 1894
Page 4
Full Page
Clipped by
Richard B.
USA 22 May 2019
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