They were built of logs and were 14 by 15 feet each.

The windows were covered with oiled paper, and the openings between the logs were closed with clay.
The huts were arranged in streets, giving the place the appearance of a city.

It was the first of the year, however, before they were occupied, and previous to that the suffering of the army had become great.

Although the weather was intensely cold, the men were obliged to work at the buildings, with nothing to support life but flour unmixed with water, which they baked into cakes at the open fires ...

the horses died of starvation by hundreds, and the men were obliged to haul their own provisions and firewood.