When Joseph Plumb Martin was 15, he wondered if he should enlist in the developing Patriot army. Living with his grandparents at the time, in his Memoir of a Revolutionary Soldier, Martin describes how he struggled with the decision to join up.
At first, he mentions that he always assumed that he didn't ever want to "venture [his] carcass where bullets fly" It doesn't take long for him to change his tune. Martin sees dollars being offered for enlistment, and finds a certain appeal in the offer, but a one-year term seems too long for him. When a six-month adventure is finally offered, he is even more intrigued.
Of course, he has to also convince his guardians. At first, he asks them about serving on a ship. When they tell him a ship is unacceptable, he uses the opportunity to enlist in the ground forces. It must be the plight of many must encounter. Do I enlist? Which branch? How do I tell my family?
At first, he mentions that he always assumed that he didn't ever want to "venture [his] carcass where bullets fly" It doesn't take long for him to change his tune. Martin sees dollars being offered for enlistment, and finds a certain appeal in the offer, but a one-year term seems too long for him. When a six-month adventure is finally offered, he is even more intrigued.
Of course, he has to also convince his guardians. At first, he asks them about serving on a ship. When they tell him a ship is unacceptable, he uses the opportunity to enlist in the ground forces. It must be the plight of many must encounter. Do I enlist? Which branch? How do I tell my family?
