You invite your friends over for an evening of fun.
You may ask a question: What friends do I have here in the middle of an army camp? Lucky for you and for the other generals, you are not the only wife who has been sent for to join the long Winter camp. Although Martha Washington spent the most time of any general's wife in camp, other big names were present in camp. It is still light outside, but food has been prepared and is laying on the table and the fire is crackling in its hearth.
Lucy Knox
Lady Stirling
Caty Greene
Martha Washington
Coffee, Tea, and Song
You could entertain your guests by having them gather around the fireplace, or around a table, and share some tea and snacks. Traditionally, everyone would get up and say something or sign a song, whether serious or silly. Tea often came in the form of bark, from which you would pluck off a square and place it in hot water then drink.
Have your portrait painted.
Charles Peale was a famous artist that would frequent camp, and who became a close acquaintance of many of the residents of camp who could afford his work . You can pay about 50 dollars to get a miniature painted, and you often do. They make wonderful additions to jewelry and even better gifts.
Wish to attend a play?
Yes, there were theatrical performances put on in camp, but Congress was not happy about it. They believed it was a waster of time and funds, and that it distracted the men. Congress sent out a decree: "Any person holding an office under the us who shall act, promote, encourage or attend such plays shall be deemed unworthy to hold such office and shall be accordingly dismissed." Early on in the Winter you catch the soldiers' performance of Cato, but you think perhaps you shall not attend any more places here and camp, to be safe. The decision is made for you as the soldiers equally heed the decree.
The variety of people who come and visit you and your husband while in camp allows you to meet a wide variety of people. Often your friends visit, they are the wives of the men your husband works with. Sometimes your children will come visit, but camp can be a very dangerous place, especially for young boys to get enticed by solider life. More often than not, you also end up hosting many dignitaries at your home. Many military and political leaders, from the French to Native America, have dinned with you and your husband.
You have just finished entertaining your guests and have made sure they get back into their coaches safe to go back to whatever makeshift home they are staying in this Winter, when you hear some commotion coming from the front entryway.