The Poor Soldier's Feast

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  • Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
  • I want to understand one of the most difficult situations of the last 250 years. How did soldiers during the American Revolutionary war survive. Food was hard to come by and the conditions were incredibly difficult. Come along with me as we try to get a taste of that time.
    Playlist of Poor Feast videos • The Poor Feast
    Retail Website ➧ www.townsends.us/ ➧➧
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,4 тис.

  • @townsends
    @townsends  Рік тому +766

    The readings in this video are from "A Narrative of a Revolutionary Soldier" by Joseph Plumb Martin. Available here! - amzn.to/3DhHlsW

    • @bensweetra4871
      @bensweetra4871 Рік тому +4

      Plumb Pudding

    • @jordonrowland2143
      @jordonrowland2143 Рік тому +8

      I really enjoy your cooking videos and history lessons!

    • @andrejka_talking_out_loud
      @andrejka_talking_out_loud Рік тому +1

      This is o interesting! Thank you! :) If I can ask, do you filter the water used form that pond or do you know it does not have all sorts of unpleasant microbes?

    • @HLBear
      @HLBear Рік тому +4

      I think that boiling the water is pretty safe, but since this is a reenactment, maybe they used water they brought in for the cooking.

    • @milesbrown8016
      @milesbrown8016 Рік тому +2

      I see no ships admiral, only hardships….

  • @bitslammer
    @bitslammer Рік тому +3600

    That was a really fantastic piece for just under 7 minutes. Didn't feel rushed and didn't feel cut off. Just a perfect little taste of the story that felt complete in and of itself.

    • @pineappleparty1624
      @pineappleparty1624 Рік тому +17

      It did feel cutoff as it was cut off lol.

    • @TerrorTerros
      @TerrorTerros Рік тому +3

      Nice and atmospheric

    • @Oldsmobile69
      @Oldsmobile69 Рік тому

      The shoes messed up the immersion tho. The shoes!

    • @BlackMasterRoshi
      @BlackMasterRoshi Рік тому +1

      @@pineappleparty1624 the music could have gone for another 5 seconds, yes

    • @johnreeves5887
      @johnreeves5887 Рік тому

      Did you just finish playing halo?

  • @keithtorgersen9664
    @keithtorgersen9664 Рік тому +1994

    The fact that the man went home but then enlisted again knowing the hardships he would face, shows a lot of courage.

    • @stanfordwillis4841
      @stanfordwillis4841 Рік тому +179

      Or a lack of choice

    • @kennethmcdonald5278
      @kennethmcdonald5278 Рік тому +22

      Today , they call him seal team Master Chief

    • @crimsoncherry3525
      @crimsoncherry3525 Рік тому +77

      ​@@stanfordwillis4841 unfortunately this was probably most likely the case

    • @stanfordwillis4841
      @stanfordwillis4841 Рік тому +58

      @@crimsoncherry3525 As it was most of the time unfortunately, I've read a lot of books about mariners and soldiers throughout the last centuries and their conditions were truly appoling for the shilling they earnt, those men sold their lives for nothing so europeans countries could be rich, in the name of king and country (not only the brits but the french, the dutch, the spanish etc), but mostly on the account that it's all that they knew, or all that they could do if they had been criminals, they couldn't read and had started working as soldiers or mariners since they were kids

    • @tobysgamingworld1550
      @tobysgamingworld1550 Рік тому +24

      @@stanfordwillis4841 it amazes me how many of them had romantic ideas of war but reality hits pretty fast. Saying no meant they’re known as cowards so in that sense it’s not a choice

  • @Tadicuslegion78
    @Tadicuslegion78 Рік тому +1131

    Just goes to show the most critical position to find the right man for is Quartermaster and cooks because an army is worthless if it can't feed itself.

    • @evanmarschand9930
      @evanmarschand9930 Рік тому +93

      Absolutely true. Problems with logistics and lack of food have taken out many an army

    • @martino7263
      @martino7263 Рік тому +123

      "An army marches on it's stomach"
      Napoleon Bonaparte

    • @ablewindsor1459
      @ablewindsor1459 Рік тому +52

      The financings of the War was the worst at least at least the five richest persons of the different colonies went bankrupt trying to fund the long war.

    • @Tadicuslegion78
      @Tadicuslegion78 Рік тому +52

      @@ablewindsor1459 And if I recall reading it somewhere, they were using every kind of currency from French, dutch, spanish, and more to help finance it all

    • @Dog.soldier1950
      @Dog.soldier1950 Рік тому +20

      Proud to have been a logistician

  • @malafunkshun8086
    @malafunkshun8086 Рік тому +163

    “Joseph’s job was not to win the war. It was to survive the day.”
    Well said, Townsend!
    Aloha 🙏🏼🤙🏼

  • @YourLifeMyHands
    @YourLifeMyHands Рік тому +541

    Sometimes surviving the day will be the greatest victory you will have in a 24 hour period. Let us all keep fighting for that victory. Thank you Townsends, sometimes you hear exactly what you need to hear from such an unsuspecting source. Love you guys

    • @dpt6849
      @dpt6849 Рік тому +9

      In a life and death situation if you win you win. If you loose it is all over. People who are in survival situation still are in that mindset

    • @GreenBlueWalkthrough
      @GreenBlueWalkthrough Рік тому

      @@dpt6849 All my life I've been living that fight and I was born into the Greatest Peace on Earth. A time where a sickly disabled man such as my self can live in pain 24/7/365 and still live in luxury and "Good" health... I'm surving yes but I'm also thriving because I have a I will see another sunrise mindset.

  • @Thrive910
    @Thrive910 Рік тому +754

    The fact that they still had the patience to cook the food once they had it and not eat everything raw is pretty incredible.

    • @yojirex6374
      @yojirex6374 Рік тому +68

      If the weather there was also cold like in the video, they probably did it to warm themselves up more

    • @user-kv5lq9xm8c
      @user-kv5lq9xm8c Рік тому +63

      A lot of people died of exposure and disease. They probably wanted to avoid any further casualties from sickness

    • @mattjohnson6227
      @mattjohnson6227 Рік тому +6

      Patience is in short supply today

    • @screamingcactus1753
      @screamingcactus1753 Рік тому +19

      Their main rations were meat and flour, not exactly things it's advisable to eat raw. Even then he mentioned that they did sometimes eat the meat raw

    • @cdgonepotatoes4219
      @cdgonepotatoes4219 Рік тому

      just because of the food waste I would be worried making, I would at least try to boil everything and just barely char it outside if lacking water.

  • @michaelIZZI
    @michaelIZZI Рік тому +222

    I love that you focus on the common man, It's always so interesting to hear about someone's normal life and their day to day. Really humanizes the people of the past when you read and reenact their journals diaries and their cookbooks. Your videos are always so comforting. Thank you for doing what ya do!

    • @JavierChiappa
      @JavierChiappa Рік тому +4

      It also makes you put things in perspective, as how easy we have it now most of us, and how bad things could really get (even if it's not as bad as a normal day back then!)

    • @pek5117
      @pek5117 Рік тому +2

      He must do a lot of research, like he said it's easy to know about the lives of generals and the rich, you will find that at your local library, they won't have the memoirs of a random guy tho.

  • @chriskourliourod1651
    @chriskourliourod1651 Рік тому +410

    Having grown up in the upper part of the Southern Appalachians, I learned much about foraging the hills and valleys, and there’s nothing easy about it if you have to do it every day. I’m surprised no mention was made about light tin and copper ware, but back in those times people were forced to use what they had. If you’re a sane, sensible adult, you learn how to listen to what your body is telling you: if you need water, you focus on that, and never mind the coffee and the booze; if you need veggies and teas for their nutrition, you focus on that; meat obtained in any way possible, with that many men around, definitely was a luxury. One winter weekend all I had was deer-broth corn cakes, white pine bark with the needles for tea, and vodka. It sucked, but I lived like a king compared to historic suffering.

    • @ceciliajones7816
      @ceciliajones7816 Рік тому +6

      I wondered about the foraging aspect, too. There’s so many edible native plants but very few recognize them. Even in winter knowing what plants to eat and how to eat was necessary.

    • @greeneyesfromohio4103
      @greeneyesfromohio4103 Рік тому +2

      I enjoyed your story….question though, how do you make deer broth? That sounds very warm and delicious!

    • @chriskourliourod1651
      @chriskourliourod1651 Рік тому +5

      In the home kitchen, it’s great. At the time, I had one steak left and tried to make it go a long way by boiling it, mixing cornmeal in the liquid and meat bits, and then cooking the patties in a skillet with only hunger for seasoning. It was not good at all; survival food seldom is, in my experience.

  • @merten0083
    @merten0083 Рік тому +118

    Big ups to Joseph Plumb Martin, being the inspiration for most of my favorite Townsends videos i.e. Revolutionary war soldier cooking videos.

  • @MichaelJones-rn2pq
    @MichaelJones-rn2pq Рік тому +176

    It puts in perspective what one should consider "a good day" and what is really "a bad day". Thanks so much for showing this to us.

    • @David-si9pi
      @David-si9pi Рік тому +2

      Poor people are still going hungry now.

    • @Max._Power
      @Max._Power Рік тому +3

      @@David-si9pi if anything its worse now, because people are starving while surrounded by food and abundance.

  • @piatpotatopeon8305
    @piatpotatopeon8305 Рік тому +255

    2:23 That's some beautiful in-channel reference right there! Emphasizing the hardships that had to be endured through the symbolic gesture of leaving the nutmeg grater behind. It really drove home the point by reminding regular viewers through turning an inside joke into an impactful visual metaphor. Very well done.

    • @dedykurniawansantoso5279
      @dedykurniawansantoso5279 Рік тому +2

      What is the inside joke here? There would be nutmeg lying around ? New subscriber here, thank you

    • @piatpotatopeon8305
      @piatpotatopeon8305 Рік тому +14

      @@dedykurniawansantoso5279 A lot of period recipes include nutmeg so it has sort of become a joke that Jon has a nutmeg obsession/addiction. He even plays into it in a lot of the more humorous videos. It's become a part of the channel, and is featured in some merchandise. Their livestreams are often sited in the fictional Nutmeg Tavern, they sell handmade Nutmeg Tavern mugs (I have a few). I think a fan even sent Jon a period nutmeg grater once too.

  • @jeromedavid7944
    @jeromedavid7944 Рік тому +279

    One of Napoleon's revelations of the convience of canned rations for his mobile units truly helped modernize the logistics of combat.

    • @zachjones6944
      @zachjones6944 Рік тому +28

      "An Army marches on its stomach."

    • @dizo-jp2td
      @dizo-jp2td Рік тому +2

      If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus Is Lord' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. -Romans 10:9

    • @jeromedavid7944
      @jeromedavid7944 Рік тому +2

      @dizo-jp2td Not really on topic but those who eat earthly bread will hunger again. Those who parttake of Bread of Life not so much. After drinking the water of this world one will thirst again that very day. However the Living Waters that Christ offers not only quenches the thirst of your body but more importantly your parched soul will be restored. Yeshua is the way, the truth, and the life. Nobody goes to the Father except those who come by the way of the Son. In the Gnostic Gospels Christ also said, "Those who intrepret the meaning of these sayings will have eternal life." The first step toward that interpretation of those parables is the recognition of Christ's divinity as the Son of the one true God and His truly amazing grace.

    • @NosFurRatTou
      @NosFurRatTou 8 місяців тому +2

      @@dizo-jp2tdsaved like how Christian settlers saved the Native Americans? Or the Spaniards saved the Aztecs? No thanks.

    • @Sketchy_2
      @Sketchy_2 8 місяців тому +2

      ​@@NosFurRatTou The Spaniards certainly saved neighboring tribes from the Aztecs that's for sure.

  • @Denbo68
    @Denbo68 Рік тому +60

    1. That uniform looks sharp!
    2. If you ever get the chance visit Jockey Hollow in New Jersey (Morristown area). This is where Washington's troops stayed during the winter of 1779-80. As Wikipedia puts it "...The Winter at Jockey Hollow was the worst winter of the war, even worse than the Winter at Valley Forge two years before."

    • @wayneantoniazzi2706
      @wayneantoniazzi2706 Рік тому +9

      That it was! But the main difference was there wasn't anywhere near the amount of deaths at Jockey Hollow that there was a Valley Forge. Over 2,000 died of disease at the Valley Forge encampment, only dozens died at Jockey Hollow. The troops had learned about camp sanitation and were much better at hut building. But it was a miserable winter just the same.

  • @pheddupp
    @pheddupp Рік тому +105

    I found out recently about an ancestor that was at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-78. He was in his forties and he was not an officer either. This story brings his plight into dramatic view, thanks for making this video.

    • @SamanthamusPrimeV28050
      @SamanthamusPrimeV28050 Рік тому +3

      My friend Catie Bowman went to valley forge in late march or earily April. I forget when she went to valley forge, on school fieldtrip, but I know she did go there. It was fun for her.

    • @pheddupp
      @pheddupp Рік тому +1

      @@SamanthamusPrimeV28050 I have never been there but now more than ever I do want to make the trip. Cheers!

    • @SamanthamusPrimeV28050
      @SamanthamusPrimeV28050 Рік тому +1

      @@pheddupp yeah. Yes. Cheers. And if you come on the exact same day as Catie's next field trip there, you'd be encountering a cyber school family, that has a lot of history nerds, that will share all history information with you, even the information that schools never teach you.

  • @WozzaDekon
    @WozzaDekon Рік тому +65

    The sheer quality of these videos are insane, thank you for making history so interesting and engaging. I think its important that we all know the struggles of our ancestors.

  • @CounterNerd
    @CounterNerd Рік тому +148

    I spent one windy night under a tarp just to try out camping on my own. Was enough to make me miss home. Trying to imagine what people like Joseph went through is like taking it to a thousand. The bond that formed between the soldiers must have been vital in surviving.

    • @scasny
      @scasny Рік тому +11

      somewhat different but i was on "labor camp" (repairing a Celtic site mainly walls) and bond between like minded hard working people. In tents, harsh conditions, somewhat away from civilization. No running water, simple food and everybody need to put their hand to work. Nobody complain, was greedy or in bad mood, i mainly help cooking (i have a talent for that) simple but hearty, tasty meals and everybody share their treats they bring. All was spontaneous and we really feel everybody have each other back. After that i understand why the soldiers go back to fight again even knowing how harsh it will be.

    • @CounterNerd
      @CounterNerd Рік тому +1

      @@scasny that's a cool experience, thanks for sharing

    • @scasny
      @scasny Рік тому +8

      @@CounterNerd strangely the less you have the more wiling you are to share it. I am saying it for years that our lives get way too easy and comfortable. Sort of understand the hiking and camping that its mostly about adventure, the uncomfortable condition and mostly realization how little you need to feel happy, safe and cozy. Dry clothes, somewhere to sit and fire in front of you. I that moment all the problems of the world are just distance memory.
      Also yes i am a artist, stone sculptor and a little poet.

    • @justinmorrison6279
      @justinmorrison6279 Рік тому

      @@scasny interesting

    • @tvviewer4500
      @tvviewer4500 Рік тому +1

      It’s almost like you have no idea how to regulate your body temperature

  • @calvinreedy9841
    @calvinreedy9841 Рік тому +49

    I appreciate you taking a bite of the ship's biscuit for us to show just how hard tack that is. I hope your dental bill isn't too high after!

  • @fzvk922
    @fzvk922 Рік тому +186

    a tear rolled down my cheek, at the thought of just how happy those soldiers must have felt to even have that simple meal, while in such dismal straits. thank you for this lovely video, the portrayal your team created feels very authentic and warm.

    • @vigilantcosmicpenguin8721
      @vigilantcosmicpenguin8721 Рік тому +8

      I imagine a simple meal like that would literally seem like it was sent by God to those poor soldiers. That would have been invaluable.

    • @robopiplup5193
      @robopiplup5193 Рік тому +16

      @@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721 Emphasis on literally. If I were three days deep without food during wartime and a fish planted itself in my boat, that's God. And I doubt I'd be convinced otherwise for the rest of my life.

    • @yardyknowwright1299
      @yardyknowwright1299 Рік тому +1

      Until they get their scalps swiped

    • @robopiplup5193
      @robopiplup5193 Рік тому +1

      @@yardyknowwright1299 Why are you obsessed with scalps?

    • @highelf6086
      @highelf6086 Рік тому

      I would eat my fellow soldiers

  • @jebbroham1776
    @jebbroham1776 Рік тому +15

    I've been to Valley Forge, and I went in late December just so I could get a real feel of just how miserable the men must have been there, huddling around what fires they could make and trying their best to keep from freezing to death in their completely inadequate clothing. We came extremely close to losing the war that winter, and if Washington hadn't made the bold, almost suicidal, decision to attack the Hessian mercenaries in Trenton to raise morale it very well could have ended there. After the Battle of Trenton, the men found stores of weapons, alcohol, shelter, and most importantly...food. Many people don't realize it, but food is a HUGE morale booster in a time of crisis.

    • @caelanshpak2007
      @caelanshpak2007 9 місяців тому +1

      As they say in Army marches on its stomach

    • @itsreal4738
      @itsreal4738 7 місяців тому

      Valley Forge (winter of 1777-78) was over 1 year after the victory at Trenton (Dec 25-26, 1776). The Continental Army was wintered in Morristown NJ during the time of the Battle of Trenton.

  • @yukitanaka6491
    @yukitanaka6491 Рік тому +33

    The cinematography in this video is just gorgeous

  • @Fuzz82
    @Fuzz82 Рік тому +7

    I read that the buttons on the uniforms of that time were made from soft metals, like tin. And they got brittle and broke off at low temperatures. So soldiers lost the buttons on their uniforms during a cold winter tour. Yikes..

  • @TR-Mead
    @TR-Mead Рік тому +45

    Yes!!!! I loved the Revolutionary War videos of soldier life you guys did a few years ago. I got Martin's book based off your recommendation and was amazed. I spent about a decade as an infantryman so this perspective lets me know my suffering was nothing compared to what these men went through to found our country.

  • @helioselexandros
    @helioselexandros Рік тому +29

    Its strong young men like the one who wrote his memoir that made our great nation. Thank you good sir

  • @amandagrayson389
    @amandagrayson389 Рік тому +17

    Thank you so much for this video. If I were teaching history, I would be showing this to my students. It shows conditions in a very ‘real’ way. Thank you again, for your work. 6:51

  • @exploderingwithkrishnashuk937
    @exploderingwithkrishnashuk937 Рік тому +3

    @00:03 - Correction, I am young.

  • @ohusky271
    @ohusky271 Рік тому +11

    it's been too long since we've had a soldier vid!

  • @TheMichaelStott
    @TheMichaelStott Рік тому +14

    One life lesson I learned is "For anything wanted, something must be lost/sacrificed". Of course today there are less hardships with most of our daily lives or obstacles to get or achieve something but we still have them. It is good to see how people in our past endured many things we could only ponder about because it shows us how deep the human spirit is and can provide us the strength to push through. Your channel and your work into bringing these parts of history to life provides us with these lessons that can help us in our present and carry us on into our future.

  • @Niedans
    @Niedans Рік тому +22

    Always a smile on my face when I get a notification of one of your videos, this one is no different. Bringing these stories to life and speaking of the little man is what keeps bringing me back to your channel. Thank you!

  • @markraffety3246
    @markraffety3246 Рік тому +16

    At least four of my ancestors served during the Revolutionary War and were at Valley Forge. Your videos have really made an impression me and made me even more aware of their struggles and the deprivation that they suffered during that war. Thank you.

  • @HG-te1xr
    @HG-te1xr Рік тому +180

    I am so excited to share this with my 13 year old son. We are learning about the revolutionary war in our homeschool and he is currently in the middle of reading 'Memoir of a Revolutionary Soldier' and 'A Young Patriot: The American Revolution as Experience by One Boy'. I had picked these reads as I have always enjoyed when your channel has shared life through journals of the time, and I thought he would enjoy and identify with a young man his own age. We have watched for many years now, and so appreciate your content.

    • @RobKaiser_SQuest
      @RobKaiser_SQuest Рік тому +7

      When I was that age I was a big fan of a Scholastic book series called My Story. They were fictional war accounts based on real letters and memoirs, usually starring boys who'd lied about their age to enlist. I always felt they found a good balance in telling an immersive, relatable story for young teens without glorifying war... They're mostly more modern, focusing on the world wars, but there are some from earlier times including a Medieval battle. You may want to screen them for violence but I'd definitely recommend those books for a young teen obsessed with history

    • @kingBing101
      @kingBing101 Рік тому

      Send your kid to real school

  • @thedeaderer8791
    @thedeaderer8791 Рік тому +11

    Thos was powerful. It almost brought me to tears. To know what these men went thru so that we may have the life we usually take for granted

  • @BwAkattack
    @BwAkattack Рік тому +14

    I'm always excited to see a new video from Townsends! Thanks for uploading these gems!

  • @UndeadFreak
    @UndeadFreak Рік тому +11

    your dad would be so proud, this is next level production! super awesome!

  • @andrewlyle2687
    @andrewlyle2687 Рік тому +20

    Geez, guys, a wonderful video! I marvel at how much effort you put into making these episodes. Both the narrative and the guys in the background suffering in the cold make this history palpable! Thank you for offering this important glimpse into the life of a soldier and patriot.

  • @dongatello6969
    @dongatello6969 Рік тому +11

    You always have some relaxing videos to watch late at night. Thank you John and others for providing a wonderful look into history.

  • @paca_bill4863
    @paca_bill4863 Рік тому +33

    It sounds like Quartermasters in virtually every army took advantage of the situations, by altering scales, shorting the rations, etc. I remember reading about that occurring with the British Napoleonic fleet, and I'm guessing every nationality had their issues. It is hard for us today to imagine all those who went through this, and despite the hardships, stuck with it. Thank you for bringing all of this history to life!

    • @ablewindsor1459
      @ablewindsor1459 Рік тому +8

      The five richest men in the colonies went bankrupt trying to fund the War, till near the end when Franklin got French Royalty to drop Two million.

    • @chriskourliourod1651
      @chriskourliourod1651 Рік тому +1

      Thank you for bringing up the very point of corruption. If I had things my way, such quartermasters would become animal feed, and slowly so. The same applies for our modern libturd politicos.

    • @Berserkism
      @Berserkism Рік тому +1

      Because if they didn't they were hung for desertion and shunned by family and community as cowards. Same reason most of them went to war, social pressure for men to go off and die.

    • @Menuki
      @Menuki Рік тому +7

      Not necessarily. The colonies had been blockaded. Supply lines were cut and they only had what the land produced. Since many farms were devoted to tobacco, it was useless without trade.
      Meaning the military and the population had to be fed on the same crop. QM weren’t shorting rations out of corruption, but literal rationing to cover all the soldiers/last a few more days.
      We’re spoiled today when we can’t imagine that food simply didn’t exist.
      Not every farm sympathized with the revolutionary side, so do you commit a war crime to feed your troops?

    • @ablewindsor1459
      @ablewindsor1459 Рік тому

      @@Menuki With between 20 to 35 % of the people (farmers) supporting the Revolutionary's and about the same the 👑 Crown... War Crimes were common on both sides.
      By some estimates the population of the colonies dropped by 1,000,000 plus after the war was won.
      Many going to Canada, New Orleans and the Bahamas......plus Europe, dropping the colonies to just under 3,000,000.

  • @PeterGMcDermott
    @PeterGMcDermott Рік тому +36

    Your storytelling and production has eclipsed that of what anyone would expect from some of the world's greatest documentarians. This is truly good stuff. Thank you for sharing your gift with us!

  • @wadeschwartz6281
    @wadeschwartz6281 Рік тому +16

    Bringing history to life ! Outstanding. Took me back to my army days marching in the rain 15 miles and then slept in the snow with a tent ,,I thought I was going to die 😂Yet I had plenty of food and coffee .

  • @craigt9203
    @craigt9203 Рік тому +9

    Thank you, Mr. Townsend for showing the truth about the Revolution. How those men actually fought multiple adversities to win us this country. Always interested in history. Haven’t caught the show in a while. Been working lol seven days a week.

  • @pinchevulpes
    @pinchevulpes Рік тому +6

    Townsends getting back to his roots as a rifleman in the continental army! Maybe explain the logistics and kit a soldier would carry, how powder horns were maintained/acquired, and problems a soldier would face with his rifle! The US army before and after St. Claire’s defeat by the Indian General Little Turtle!

  • @wtk6069
    @wtk6069 Рік тому +7

    It reminds me of the famous painting of Washington at Valley Forge, his men starving and freezing, going off on his own and getting down on one knee to pray for help from above because all seemed lost.

  • @PaulTheadra
    @PaulTheadra Рік тому +11

    these short video documentaries are astoundingly beautiful and well said. I almost feel like I'm there (it looks cold).

  • @EireHammer
    @EireHammer Рік тому +112

    I'm a former Marine and a long student of history. I love my nation and our Constitution.
    I'm so grateful for your work Jon and team (I'm sorry I don't know all of your names)
    Thank you.

    • @sherlockgnomes8971
      @sherlockgnomes8971 Рік тому +1

      Sure sure Walter Mitty

    • @SamanthamusPrimeV28050
      @SamanthamusPrimeV28050 Рік тому +2

      Have you heard of Larry Cullen, a Marine veteran who died in 2011, and had inspired his younger brother Peter Cullen to voice a transformers character named Optimus Prime, prior to death? I'm not sure if you did or not. Also, thank you for serving the country.

    • @EireHammer
      @EireHammer Рік тому +3

      @@SamanthamusPrimeV28050 thank you for your support!
      I am familiar with the Cullen family, it's thanks to my son that I'm familiar with Larry Cullen and his inspiration on his brother Peter to voice Optimus prime.
      Good knowledge to share, thank you!!

    • @SamanthamusPrimeV28050
      @SamanthamusPrimeV28050 Рік тому +2

      @@EireHammer you're welcome.
      I understand. That's cool.
      Yes, and you're welcome again

  • @TihetrisWeathersby
    @TihetrisWeathersby Рік тому +11

    Love and appreciate the dedication you history this channel shows

  • @SeanBlazze
    @SeanBlazze Рік тому +9

    That opening shot; simply beautiful. The pops of blues and reds over the snowy terrain. Very well shot video.

  • @madeline6048
    @madeline6048 Рік тому +12

    Whoever edits these videos does an incredible job 👏🏻

  • @troykrehbiel
    @troykrehbiel Рік тому +14

    Another fantastic video! The stories of the common soldier will always be my favorite. We owe so much to all the brave men who have serviced his great country.

  • @phillylove7290
    @phillylove7290 Рік тому +8

    Incredibly beautiful portrayal of an incredibly horrid situation

  • @SDguy3030
    @SDguy3030 Рік тому +12

    Another great video. I appreciate you turning out so much good content over the years, don't really watch em as much anymore, but it's nice to binge watch these on a weekend.

  • @paulmcnicholas3846
    @paulmcnicholas3846 Рік тому +8

    I'm absolutely obsessed with life in early America up to and beyond the revolutionary war, the food, the way of life and the politics and these videos are a must for anyone fascinated about the people who left the mother country on the greatest adventure of all, how they lived and survived in what was for the most part a new undiscovered world. Thank you.

  • @mastershake407
    @mastershake407 Рік тому +9

    I've been a subscriber for years and this is one of my favorite videos so far. More content like this please! Keep up the good work!

  • @northislandguy
    @northislandguy Рік тому +1

    I was watching SteveMRE and it showed how the modern troops loathed the Omelette ration.
    And in this video we see how the Continental Army make do with what little they had….it paid off in the end 🤙🏽🇺🇸

  • @Mick-hp4yg
    @Mick-hp4yg Рік тому +11

    I really want my own colonial coat now. You guys make them look so cool.

  • @beanslider264
    @beanslider264 Рік тому +1

    All this talk about kobe MJ Lebron… nah townsends really the goat fr 🐐

  • @wayneantoniazzi2706
    @wayneantoniazzi2706 Рік тому +42

    If you haven't read Joseph Plumb Martin do so! It's the closest you'll ever come to a sit-down with a Revolutionary War veteran. A superb and VERY entertaining read!
    And Jon's right when he talks about Martin and battle. According to Martin battle actually came as a relief from the boredom of army routine. Not that the soldiers didn't think it was dangerous, and Martin says it wasn't as dangerous as people may have thought it was, but in a sense they craved the excitement and looked forward to it.

    • @wayneantoniazzi2706
      @wayneantoniazzi2706 Рік тому

      @Peters6221 You know what? We'll never know for certain. One battle we DO know about was Monmouth where more soldiers dropped from heat exhaustion and heat stroke than dropped from bullets, especially on the British side.
      And of course more soldiers died of disease back in those days than ever died from enemy action, in fact WW2 was the first war where more soldiers died from enemy action than disease.

    • @crimzonempire4677
      @crimzonempire4677 Рік тому

      @@wayneantoniazzi2706 If I remember correctly more men died from sickness and starvation in the civil war than In battle and that was even bloodier

    • @wayneantoniazzi2706
      @wayneantoniazzi2706 Рік тому

      @@crimzonempire4677 Quite true, and interestingly the military doctors figured out the reason more died of sickness even though germ theory hadn't been discovered yet.
      Regiments raised in cities tended to be healthier than those raised in the rural areas, basically because those who grew up in cities had been exposed to (and survived) all the communicable diseases weren't likely to catch them again. The young men who came from relatively isolated rural areas hadn't been exposed to those diseases and in the close confines of military camps finally were, and it carried off quite a few.

  • @wompstopm123
    @wompstopm123 Рік тому +16

    this is early 2000s history channel at its peak

  • @vivianscircle
    @vivianscircle Рік тому +5

    Thank you for showing light in pieces of history that we would never have known otherwise!!!

  • @askmeaboutmattweiner
    @askmeaboutmattweiner Рік тому +6

    All of your videos feel like a warm, comfortable blanket. Even when they are about serious subjects like war and hunger I applaud that you end them in a positive way. Keep up the videos and I will always keep watching.

  • @CampStoneFox
    @CampStoneFox Рік тому +7

    Never leave home without the nutmeg...

  • @DustinPlatt
    @DustinPlatt Рік тому +1

    I bet the officers had a highly sought-after French chef to cook their 5-course dinner every night in their heated tent, with dessert and cigars.

  • @veesimmons2464
    @veesimmons2464 Рік тому +7

    WOW! I was blown away with this! You and your amazing team compelled me to watch. The realism of the enacting made it all the more powerful. Kudos to you all!

  • @dougabrahamsen2952
    @dougabrahamsen2952 Рік тому +5

    These are the videos I appreciate! I'm a 62 year old that grew up with a native American grandfather and a German grandma. I have eaten many of the recipes you cook.

  • @danb366
    @danb366 Рік тому +6

    Absolutely one of your best videos in terms of story telling. You get better and better i terms of quality. I could watch this several times because it is paced so well, it's relatable, informative and compassionate. If this is 2023 Townsends: HURRAY!

  • @zednott
    @zednott Рік тому +2

    you know those men were not rednecks. no way we would go Hungary near water, complain about having bones. or waste a small ration of meat and bone by roasting it over a fire on a stick, when a stew pot was around. that cast iron stew pot is to valuable for survival to be left behind. a simple fish that would feed one man can be made in to a soup to sustain 5.

  • @4TheWinQuinn
    @4TheWinQuinn Рік тому +5

    The shots with you walking and just general shots with people at the camp are very Immersive!

  • @tilasole3252
    @tilasole3252 Рік тому +1

    Was basically homeless since I was nine. Joined the military. Had very rough times, but the military at least was able to take care of me. Never experienced the freezing cold, but was in the hot desert quite often. MREs were not bad. Lots of calories at least.

  • @easternWashington.
    @easternWashington. Рік тому +4

    I really enjoyed this video it reminds me of some of your early soldier cooking ones and Crimson Bond.

  • @JohnFredericks-hc7nj
    @JohnFredericks-hc7nj Рік тому +2

    It's a shame that they didn't know to boil the bones and make the most nutritious broth. And make a stew with what they had. Hunter gatherers had this knowledge. To split the bones for marrow. Knowledge gets lost over time but hopefully get re-learned.

  • @bazkervillerouge750
    @bazkervillerouge750 Рік тому +4

    Tremendous.
    The Premium creator in this forsaken platform.

  • @kevinmahoney1995
    @kevinmahoney1995 Рік тому +2

    Joseph Plumb Martin lived until 1850 and died in Stockton Springs, Maine. Some of my ancestors lived in Stockton Springs at that time. I wonder if they knew him. I imagine they at least knew of him, as he was surely among the oldest residents of Stockton Springs at the time of his death.

  • @joshuapatrick682
    @joshuapatrick682 Рік тому +5

    The sacrifices of those who fought for our freedom never cease to humble me, my life of comfort and ease is possible because they did without and for that I am grateful.

  • @elmodelo101
    @elmodelo101 Рік тому +3

    Please, tell one more time how the war was glorious, but not to me, but to widows, tell to the orphans how the soldiers are heroes, tell to the mothers who will never see their sons again how the war was for a better future.

    • @jakekaywell5972
      @jakekaywell5972 Рік тому

      That is often true for many wars. The common soldier fights and dies so their country can have a better future.

  • @ferdi5407
    @ferdi5407 Рік тому +5

    Can't say enough words about this OUTSTANDING video. I immediately went back and watched it multiple times, and each time I noticed a new detail. Awesome job Team Townsends!

  • @orionsimerl6539
    @orionsimerl6539 Рік тому +2

    The war effort couldn't be sustained through those who benefited from independence. History records it as Washington appealed to the wealthy interests behind the war of independence to pay the army. But they didn't have an army, and most of the people who joined the war for independence did so because they were promised money, land, and food. Money that quickly became worthless after the war, land that was seized due to the inability to pay taxes following the war, and food like narrator reports that they often did not get. The point being is that the American revolution wasn't fought by patriots committed to the founders ideal and fed up with British tyranny, it was won by mercenaries. A revolutionary fights for ideals, whereas a mercenary.fights for money. There are many letters from participants who joined the war because it was their best economic opportunity. Without the soldiers stating as much it's evident by the fact that a war effort couldn't be maintained without offering compensation.

  • @jamesjacobs1909
    @jamesjacobs1909 Рік тому +21

    Having been a soldier for 25 years of my life, I can say that the Military's ability to feed me has never failed. Watching these videos tell me how they enjoyed their times as a soldier as I did around meal time.

    • @jamesjacobs1909
      @jamesjacobs1909 Рік тому +1

      Thanks for the likes. Tonight , I'm making Chilli mac.

    • @floripaspbr
      @floripaspbr Рік тому

      It´s all about perspective really. I live in Brazil and I never been in the army, and thankfully my family has never lacked for food. But my grandfather served and always complained about the quality of food, but never the lack of it. However my great uncles loved to tell stories of how they would often go hungry. Don´t know what to make of that but your comment made me smile!

    • @jamesjacobs1909
      @jamesjacobs1909 Рік тому

      @@floripaspbr You are welcome: )

  • @kevinstrade2752
    @kevinstrade2752 Рік тому +1

    Just never forgot they suffered for us, they believed in us, the future. We owe them

  • @charliep5139
    @charliep5139 Рік тому +3

    Thank you for this! I loooove history especially military history. I can remember when the History Channel debuted when I was 10 and it was all I ever watched. I know JP Martin bc he was mentioned a lot in those documentaries and I always loved the most reading books about what it was like for the common soldier or colonists or Indian, housewife, etc during a certain time period and their day to day routine, food, clothes, thoughts, dreams, etc

  • @toxichammertoe8696
    @toxichammertoe8696 Рік тому +2

    This why I load up on spices dehydrated onions and garlic because when food runs out, you still have water for a flavorful soup

  • @treyondaren3542
    @treyondaren3542 Рік тому +3

    Nowdays... There is no duty, no values, no wish to defend your country at all... Only self-interest. Its a sad thing really. Still, a fantastic video. Those times were like hell compared to nowdays. People whine about having a hard life now, but i want to see how they respond when put in that situation

    • @Seashellsbytheseashore21
      @Seashellsbytheseashore21 Рік тому

      💯

    • @ajankytoucan
      @ajankytoucan Рік тому

      No, today most people know that any war, no matter for which cause it pretends to be, is idiotic and cruel, and only serves those who want to oppress and control them.

  • @johncave3334
    @johncave3334 Рік тому +1

    I'm glad these young men had some 'good' days. No doubt they desperately needed it.

  • @RedLogicYT
    @RedLogicYT Рік тому +7

    Had to put my dog down 2 days ago since she couldn't eat or drink or pee or poop despite treatment. She was in immense pain, had her for 9 years- since I was 10- was the toughest decision of my life and I knew it would cause immense suffering- but I had to do what was right.
    Saved her from feeling the worst pain imaginable she would have to go through for a couple days before she'd pass away..
    Love you Fifi,
    Rest in Peace

  • @floridaprepper751
    @floridaprepper751 Рік тому +1

    Great video sir. The people in america now have no idea, the sacrifices our continental army went through. Pure determination and grit. Those people were really tough.

  • @whiskeypapa6606
    @whiskeypapa6606 Рік тому +15

    Modern Americans, myself included, often forget the sacrifices these brave men and women made to give us the freedoms we enjoy today. Thank you so much for making amazing content like this to remind us!!

  • @AlkalineGamingHD
    @AlkalineGamingHD Рік тому +1

    Imagine sitting on the shoreline waiting to load/unload the boat full of military equipment crossing when suddenly they stand and shout
    "We're having soup tonight!!"

  • @bossman1974
    @bossman1974 Рік тому +18

    Makes you appreciate even more what the Patriots that fought for our country did

    • @JmarieD
      @JmarieD Рік тому +3

      I fully agree. It makes it so much more real to me, to know their personal thoughts and struggles vs "some guys fought some other guys because of taxes".

    • @anonanon7497
      @anonanon7497 Рік тому

      It makes it even more sad that it was ultimately for nothing.

  • @jamesandrew8839
    @jamesandrew8839 Рік тому +2

    Thank you for keeping the memories alive, and sharing them with us..

  • @derickvermillion659
    @derickvermillion659 Рік тому +7

    I've been experiencing homelessness for about 55 day now and this video especially the intro made me feel a lot less shame over it. That part about the fish jumping in the boat reminds me of when I had returned to a resting spot under a bridge and behind a book I had there was a crisp, neatly folded $20 bill. Thanks for helping me remember all of that every one of the days I've been out here I had a victory, isn't easy but I also have faith that I'll win my own war and come home like thoughs brave soldiers.

  • @MAZEMIND
    @MAZEMIND Рік тому +1

    Seems to me you would save on weight simply by not bringing cooking supplies at all. You would also save money by not feeding the men anything but the enemy soldiers. General Washington's Army showed up and ate the British Army. It might have put an end to the war real quick . 🥩🥩🥩

  • @c.m.krauss372
    @c.m.krauss372 Рік тому +3

    Your videos just keep getting better and better all the time. They have such an authentic feel. They are interesting. Of course the outfits and the props are first class. I learn so much from each one.

  • @hlynnkeith9334
    @hlynnkeith9334 Рік тому +1

    John Marshall, Life of George Washington, wrote that in the winter of 1777 (Jan-Feb), General Washington planned an attack on the British in Philadelphia but called it off when he was told that his men had consumed the last of their provisions that morning. Instead of fighting, his men scoured the countryside for food that day.
    Washington complained to Congress. Congress responded by authorizing Washington to seize all he needed from local farmers. The Pennsylvania farmers hated these seizures as much as the farmers of New Jersey hated British seizures the previous year.
    Further, Congress stripped Colonel Trumbull, Washington commissariat, of command of the commissary departments. Each department head -- meat, bakery, salt, fodder, gunpowder, lead, flints, uniforms, tents, utensils -- now reported directly to Congress. Trumbull resigned. The commissary fell into chaos and corruption. The first delivery under the new system was rancid meat. This sparked the mutiny.
    After Congress appointed Washington to command, every thing they did to the army made things worse.
    Washington spent more time fighting Congress than fighting the British. It is a testament to his stature as a leader and commander that he kept the army together. It was not genius. It was perseverance.

  • @laurieasmus9998
    @laurieasmus9998 Рік тому +3

    I have read this amazing book, on your recommendation from a video a year or more ago. They suffered so much, on so little food, they were threadbare of clothing and any provisions. But still they had courage and made it thru. We all have much to learn from the endurance and fortitude of our forefathers who were part of that struggle for our country's independence. Thank you, Jon, for bringing history to life with your wonderful channel!

  • @patriotpioneer
    @patriotpioneer Рік тому +1

    Funny How History Repeats Itself....

  • @DasKrampusAirsoft
    @DasKrampusAirsoft Рік тому +2

    I've been watching your channel for a few years now. I'm just lost on how you aren't a host for The History channel. You make it easy for crayon eaters like me to learn.

    • @Vikingwerk
      @Vikingwerk Рік тому +1

      The history channel could learn a few things from this channel to be honest.

  • @JoeParizer
    @JoeParizer Рік тому +1

    Wow! This video is fantastic, congrats!

  • @deanbusch2727
    @deanbusch2727 Рік тому +3

    I absolutely love your videos, the stories and how you tie the food into each of them. I grew up fairly meagerly on the prairies and seeing my mother and grandmother cook and tell stories of how things were when they were young was priceless. Its hard to believe all these folks survived and with do little.

  • @Vincerama
    @Vincerama Рік тому

    A mutiny or strike is perfectly reasonable. You agree to risk your life for the Army and they have to keep their end of the bargain and feed you.

  • @rickm4853
    @rickm4853 Рік тому +3

    brings tears to my eyes thinking about the hardships these men faced.

  • @JackDespero
    @JackDespero Рік тому +1

    Back in the days, war was won by those who just survived.
    Typical numbers are:
    Casualties of army A during the war B: 40 000
    Death in combat: 4000.
    Sickness and malnutrition: 36 000.

  • @onemanarmy8499
    @onemanarmy8499 Рік тому +3

    This channel is such a gold mine, and it's wholesome 😌