Audio tour Delaware Women in the Military

Delaware Women in the Military

Until very recently, women were not given a combat role in the United States. There were rare exceptions; usually fighting alongside men in disguise. Women’s role was more often in supporting the war effort at home as breadwinners who carried on the family farm, or tended the family business as well as raising families. Too often, of necessity, their role was as the grieving wife or mother. When they actively participated, it was often in the role of nurse or healthcare worker in their community.

In some cases, women followed their men to the battlefield. 

Camp follower is a term used to identify civilians and their children who follow armies. There are two common types of camp followers; first, the wives and children of soldiers, who follow their spouse or parent's army from place to place.

The second type of camp followers have historically been informal army service providers, servicing the needs of encamped soldiers, in particular selling goods or services that the military does not supply—these have included cooking, laundering, liquor, nursing, sexual services and sutlery.

Revolutionary War of Independence

Captain Peter Jaquett of the Delaware Regiment writes to a Mr. Thelwell in April 1782 three times (April 1st, 20th, and 22nd) for 30 days of provisions for:

1) one woman and one child belonging to the Delaware Regiment – Hester Kelty

2) two women and two children belonging to the Delaware Regiment – Sarah Derick and Sergeant Easom’s wife

3) one woman belonging to the Delaware Regiment – Mary Bashford