Citing London newspapers, the Virginia Gazette, isssue of 05 Mar 1779, included the following report: "The land forces employed in North America in the year 1774, were 6884; in 1775, they were 11,219; in 1776, they increased to 46,8865; and in 1777, they amounted to 48,616; out of those we have lost by death and desertion 19,381; prisoners, 5336; and 4659 sick and wounded. The naval force for the above four years was, 83 men of war and armed vessels, whose compliments of men amounted to 22,337; out of which we have lost 4315, besides sick: Thus we see that America had been, at the commencement of the present year, the grave of no less that 23,695 seamen and soldiers, without reckoning the increase to the dead list during this year." Bob Brooks