In a recent meeting, concerns were raised regarding the dire conditions faced by soldiers, who were reported to be poorly equipped, underfed, and unpaid. As enlistments were set to expire at the end of the year, many soldiers were on the verge of returning home to their families. In response to this critical situation, General Washington convened a significant portion of the troops and proposed an incentive to encourage them to reenlist for an additional six months. He offered an extra month's salary as a bonus, a substantial amount given the financial hardships many soldiers' families were enduring.

This strategic move aimed to retain experienced soldiers during a pivotal time, highlighting the ongoing challenges within the military ranks. The meeting underscored the urgent need for support and resources for the troops, as well as the leadership's commitment to addressing their welfare in order to maintain morale and operational effectiveness.