In Joseph Plumb Martin's account of his experiences in the Revolutionary War, he offers a unique insight into a regular soldier's perspective, which differs from the opinions of generals and leaders such as popular figures such as George Washington. Martin's narrative is an asset to historical studies as a primary source that provides an in-depth look at what life in the Army was like for many young men during the Revolutionary War. He described the tremendous suffering he experienced as hunger and deprivation. He did not hesitate to describe his criticism of the government which, in his opinion, did not adequately care for soldiers during and after the war. While he may be biased due to his personal involvement as a soldier, he appears to report plausible accounts without embellishment or self-aggrandizement. Overall, “A Narrative of A Revolutionary Soldier” is a rich source of information that provides insight into the military experience during the war. Joseph Plumb Martin divided his narrative into eight different campaigns that outlined his period of service, which lasted from 1776 to 1883. During his time in the army he suffered from smallpox and yellow fever, was wounded, endured several combats, and traveled for many miles along the East. Martin recounted the horrors and difficulties of the war in expressive but concrete terms. He described starvation as a constant occurrence with seemingly never enough food to adequately provide for the army. In one instance, during the 1780 campaign, Martin describes a moment during a heavy snowstorm when the army reached the “keystone of the starvation arch.” Martin goes on to say, “We were absolutely and literally starving,” and further says, “I solemnly declare that I did not… half paper… during the War for Independence. He gave little reason to disbelieve the experiences he described, and was also careful to warn the reader that his memory may not be helpful to him in remembering all the events. Even in his criticism of the government he does not give an image that suggests he did not believe in the cause of independence, nor did he take an anti-US government position. He is simply attempting to explain what happened during his time as a participant in the war, and he does so convincingly in his narrative. As he reflects on his experiences, he recognizes the great sacrifice of the soldiers, the sacrifice of their youth, their bodies, and even their future. Although he was only a private and for most of his life a commoner, Joseph Martin represents the American hero who gave his life for the cause of Independence.