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By David Streater

 

During the fall and winter of 1777-1778, the British military brought the Continental Army to its knees. In September 1777, British army commander General William Howe triumphed over General Washington at the Battle of Brandywine. With over 1,000 Patriot losses, they retreated, which allowed the British to occupy Philadelphia.

A month later, on October 4, 1777, General Washington and Howe faced off again at Germantown, Pennsylvania. The patriots became disoriented in a thick fog, leading to substantial friendly fire injuries and deaths. This dire situation again resulted in a “general retreat” by General Washington’s soldiers.  

After considering several locations, Washington chose Valley Forge for his army to take refuge in and recuperate during the winter. This settlement, close to Philadelphia, prevented the British from invading the interior of Pennsylvania. Valley Forge was also “far enough away to halt the threat of British surprise attacks.” Further, the Schuylkill River’s geography and banks enabled sentries to see if any Redcoats were advancing.

The wintertime of 1777-1778 in Valley Forge was brutally cold, along with snow, ice, and wind. The frigid weather made getting essential supplies to the troops almost impossible.  The American troops needed clothing, medical care, and food. They were distressed, freezing, and starving. Enter Polly Cooper of the Oneida Indian Nation.

A select group of Oneida, including Cooper, made the grueling journey, bringing food and supplies “boosting the morale of the hungry soldiers at a critical time during the war.” The Oneida had trekked several hundred miles from Central New York. However, the hundreds of bushels of white corn the Oneida brought with them required a unique cooking process. Upon the Oneida’s arrival, some starving soldiers immediately grabbed and started to eat the raw corn. Polly stopped them, explaining that if consumed uncooked, this corn would kill them by bloating their stomachs.

Polly had volunteered to make the journey to Valley Forge to help the soldiers. Her motivation “was freedom in thought to develop principles for the good of all living and the coming generations.” When it was time for the Oneidas to leave, Polly stayed to cook, feed, and care for the troops. She refused any pay for her help.  

Discovering that Polly was interested in a particular bonnet and shawl, army officers and the federal government raised money for this gift. For her heroic service, Martha Washington presented the bonnet and shawl to her. Polly treasured her beloved garments, and her descendants have continued to value and preserve them.  

Over the years, Polly has been honored in several ways. Her shawl is occasionally exhibited to the public, and the Polly Cooper Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution keeps her legacy alive. A sculpture featuring Cooper is permanently displayed in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. This exhibition commemorates the alliance between the Oneida Nation and the United States. Also, the Oneida County Historical Society, New York, inducted her into their Hall of Fame.

Historians have noted that without the help of the Oneida, especially Polly, “Washington’s army might never have lived through the winter, let alone march south to victory at Yorktown and eventually independence.” Polly Cooper is a highly regarded and benevolent patriot who never knew her birthday or age.

Please visit the Polk County Charters of Freedom setting in Columbus, at the corner of Gibson and Ward Streets beside the House of Flags Museum. 

Vance and Mary Jo Patterson are the benefactors of Foundation Forward, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization that made the Polk County Charters of Freedom possible. Visit FoundationForward.com to learn more.

Dr. David Streater is the director of education for Foundation Forward, 501(c)3. To obtain a personalized engraved legacy paver for placement at the Charters of Freedom perpetual display or free educational materials, contact him at david.streater@mymail.barry.edu.