Final answer:
The surgeon at Valley Forge described several hardships faced by the soldiers, including a lack of supplies, starvation, exposure to extreme cold, and high mortality rates from disease and malnutrition.
Step-by-step explanation:
During Washington's winter at Valley Forge, the surgeon described several hardships faced by the soldiers. One of the main difficulties was a lack of supplies, including clothing, ammunition, tents, and equipment. This shortage of supplies weakened the men physically and made them vulnerable to disease. Starvation was a major problem, with soldiers going without meat and other provisions for days at a time. Additionally, the soldiers were exposed to extreme cold weather without adequate clothing or shelter. These conditions led to a high mortality rate, as thousands of soldiers died from starvation, malnutrition, and disease. Furthermore, the low morale among the troops, caused by the harsh conditions, led to a high desertion rate.