
From National Park Service: Washington was aware of independence sentiments and used the occasion to proclaim a rare holiday in camp, perhaps hoping to add to Great Britain's troubles by offering recognition and reprieve to 'the sons of St. Patrick'
A 1780 news account reported a St. Patrick's Day celebration amongst the troops at Jockey Hollow, New Jersey. A winter camp site, notably housing the main Continental Army during the "Hard Winter" of 1779–80, believed to be the harshest winter in recorded history.
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