Question

raft writing – voices of
the revolution

• role: patriot soldier at

valley forge

• audience: family back

home

• format: letter
• topic: describe your

hardships, how
washington keeps the
army together, and your
hope for victory.

Explanation:

To complete this RAFT writing, we'll adopt the role of a Patriot soldier at Valley Forge, addressing a letter to family. First, recall the hardships at Valley Forge: harsh winter, lack of supplies (food, proper clothing, shelter). Then, think about how Washington maintained morale—his leadership, perseverance, inspiring the troops. Finally, convey hope for victory by referencing the cause, faith in Washington, and the idea that their sacrifice will lead to independence. Structure the letter with a greeting, paragraphs for each topic (hardships, Washington's role, hope), and a closing. Use descriptive language to make the soldier's voice authentic, e.g., mention cold, hunger, but also the determination fostered by Washington.

Answer:

[Sample Letter]

Dear Family,

The winter at Valley Forge is a trial like no other. The cold bites through our tattered clothes, and many of us go without shoes—our feet bleed on the frozen ground. Food is scarce; we often eat firecake (a mix of flour and water, baked over coals) or, if we’re lucky, a scrap of meat. Shelter? We huddle in crude huts, drafty and leaking, doing our best to stay warm. Sickness spreads too—fever, frostbite, and hunger weaken us, and we’ve lost good men.

But General Washington? He’s the anchor that holds us together. Each day, he walks among us, greeting us by name, asking after our well - being. He shares our rations, sleeps in a hut like ours (well, a slightly sturdier one, but still humble), and never loses hope. His speeches, full of fire and faith in our cause, remind us why we fight: for liberty, for you, for a new nation. When we’re close to despair, he rallies us—telling stories of our victories, of the British retreats, and of the future we’re building. He’s not just a general; he’s a father to this army, and we’d follow him into hell itself.

I have hope, dear family. The hardships are great, but so is our resolve. Washington’s leadership, our shared dream of independence, and the courage of my fellow soldiers—these will carry us through. We’ll endure this winter, and when spring comes, we’ll march to victory. I’ll be home soon, with a new nation to call our own.

With love and faith,
[Your Name]