Women were an indispensable part of every 18th century army. Some were camp followers moving from battle to battle with their husbands. Others were suttlers who sold small, personal items — buttons, belt buckles, etc. All played a supporting role cooking, washing, mending also nursing the sick and wounded. Their essential services were recognized by commanding officers who assigned them regular rations. Many stayed back at their homesteads tending farms, running taverns, or make clothing for patriot forces. As this reenactor demonstrates, women often baked breads and prepared food for American foraging parties. Without this assistance, the soldiers would surely have starved.
