Question

In December of 1777 the Continental Army encamped in the town of Valley Forge, just outside

Philadelphia, PA. By this time Washington had fewer than 5,000 men fit for duty, and he realized that all
but 1,400 of these were likely to head for home after their enlistments expired at the end of the year.
Thomas Paine, who had accompanied the army during its retreat, called these weeks "the times that try
men's souls." What did Thomas Paine mean by these words?

Answer 1

This means that Thomas Paine was saying as a tribute to the men who are Putting there mind and soul and having to work threw hard conditions that really test the capabilities of a person

Hopes this helps

Answer 2

basically it means that tests men or mens endurance or strength or how well a man can keep going through tough times