The camp followers of Washington's army ran the gamut from Martha Washington to women of "that sort", although, these women were not a major factor. This is not too say that camp following was strictly limited to women. Men served as teamsters, sutlers, doctors, and chaplains. The bulk of the camp followers, however, consisted of officer's, non-commissioned officer's, and soldier's wives. These wives traveled with the baggage train and provided vital services to Washington's army such as sewing, washing, mending, etc. They also had to find the food, clothing, and other supplies the soldiers needed from local towns. Washington specifically recognized their efforts by recommending 1/2 rations for the women and 1/4 rations for their children. While soldier's wives were not encouraged to follow the army, many women found themselves ostracized by their tory communities and were forced to follow their husbands in an effort to provide protection for themselves and their families from the harassment they faced at home. Washington knew that forcing these women from the camps would in all likelihood reduce the ranks of his volunteer army so he did not make it an issue, although he was frustrated that he could not impose military discipline upon the non-combatants. This is not to say that life with the army was by any means easy. These women starved and suffered the elements with their husbands. They were frequently sent out onto battlefields to strip the dead for supplies. They did, however, try to make their lives as normal as possible. Many of these women bore children while with the army, one reportedly bearing four during the war. These camp followers numbered between 2000 and 3000 at various times.

In addition, the continental congress recognized Washington's request for nurses July 27, 1775 with the recommendation for one nurse per 10 patients and one matron per 10 nurses. These nurses were paid $2/month and matrons $15/month, they were also given full rations. Their contribution cannot be discounted when one considers that while encamped at Valley Forge, the number of sick and wounded ran anywhere between 5000 and 7000 men at any given time.