During the savage winter of 1779-1780, General George Washington chose Jockey Hollow, near Morristown, New Jersey, to winter down the troops. When they arrived in December, snow already covered the landscape. The men were forced to build log-hut shelters while battling the elements. Food was scarce, and, at times, non-existent. Although Washington begged Congress for help to feed and clothe his men, his pleas went unheeded.

Zadok Wooding's brother-in-law, Corporal Levi Parlee, wrote home to tell of the Army's plight, prompting Zadok and a friend from Hartford to begin a long, freezing journey to bring the troops much-needed food and blankets.

Along the way, dangers are encountered, including a kidnapping plot against General Washington. Zadok and his party are stranded for weeks in the snow-covered land.

Meanwhile, two pregnant wives and Zadok's mother are at home in New Haven. The women face their own dangers, and Aurinda Wooding wonders if the fledgling country is strong enough to win the war against Mother England. Will all be lost in this terrible winter?