24-year-old Ebenezer Huntington, serving at Fort Arnold, West Point (renamed Fort Clinton in 1780 after Benedict Arnold's defection to the British), writes to his older brother Joshua, then a major at Norwich. The letter reflects the cares and some of the deprivations of the soldiers: "...I am much oblig'd to you for procuring those articles you mention in you letter... You mention a little good Wine at home. Let me tell you, I do not hardly think of it, as we are not allow'd to drink Wine at West Point. By a Gentleman from Hartford a few days since I am inform'd that it was Currently reported there that I was under an Arrest for Stabbing one of Col. Wylly's men. I know of no reason for such a Report unless to Injure the Recruiting of the Reg't which many have attempted and have not left a Stone unturn'd to Effect it. The Report was Groundless I assure you... I expect the troops will move towards the Plains soon, a Fortnight at farthest, where we shall be enabled to procure (I hope) the necessaries and even the Conveniences of Life, and not be oblig'd to trouble you for them at such a Distance..." Ebenezer Huntington (1754-1834) rose to lieutenant colonel and commanded troops at Yorktown - he was appointed brigadier general in 1798 when war with France threatened, later elected a congressman.