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Baron Von Steuben

Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County 2005 AMERICAN PROFILES

Frederick von Steuben was not the nobleman and Prussian general that he claimed to be, but he was a matchless drillmaster, and he transformed the ragtag Continental Army into a fighting force capable of securing American independence.

Amea i i /-/ s-ro Ry. o/D~vpC /99o I LL USTRA A Baron

by Allen G. Eastby

ebruary 24, 1778 dawned for men who stole shoes from the bleak and cold. Gray Pennsylvania Line. clouds hung heavy across But before the Continentals of the sky, and sleet flogged the Livingston's regiment could finish sentries and quarter guards as they their morning meal of fried fatback paced along lines of log huts. For and mush, the dull routine of the the officers and men of Colonel winter cantonment was interrupted Henry B. Livingston's Regiment, by the appearance of an unan- known as the Fourth Regiment of nounced visitor who had arrived at the New York Line, and for the sol- Valley Forge the previous day. diers of the other regiments of the Of medium height, thickset, Continental Army camped on the heavy-jowled, and course-featured, bare hills surrounding Valley Forge, the stranger wore a sumptuous blue Pennsylvania, the morning held lit- and buff uniform. Atop his head at tle promise. Today, as on every other a rakish angle sat an oversized and day since the army had gone into outrageously cocked hat, while a winter quarters, detachments would lustrous fur cloak hung across his chop wood and haul water, trudge to soulders. Without so much as a by- the commissary to draw rations your-leave he descended on the regi- (cornmeal on this day-there was no ment, fingering threadbare blan- meat in the encampment save a little kets, deftly examining muskets, and salt pork), and dig new "neces- testing bayonet points with a prac- saries." Several courts martial ticed thumb. pended, and two prisoners, one The officer apparently spoke no from the Fourth New York and the English, but when he realized that other from the Second New York, Captain Benjamin Walker, one of remained locked in the quarter the company commanders, under- guard's hut. In the afternoon they stood his heavily accented French, faced "picketing"-hanging by the foreigner directed to the Ameri- their thumbs-for two hours, a pun- can questions the likes of which the ishment the New York Line reserved officers of the New York Line had

28 "WASHINGTONAND STEUBENAT VALLEYFORGE" BY HOWARDPYLE (1896);COURTESY OF THE BOSTONPUBLIC LIRRARn III

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never before heard. What was their what I'ordre mixte was. He also ularly odd to Walker that almost ev- battle drill? How many volleys thought the Fourth New York's bat- ery Continental regiment had its could the regiment fire every min- tle drill-the "'64," a British army own battle drill. After all, in the ute? Did they fight l'ordre mixte or drill published in 1764-was as good British Army there were at least I'ordre profound? as Colonel Lewis Nicola's or Colo- twelve different systems of drills in Walker did his best to answer the nel Timothy Pickerking's drill, the use. questions, but though he had com- Norfolk drill, the British "'72," or When the visitor left to continue manded a company of Continentals the French system of drill followed his inspection of the encampment, since June 1775 and was considered by some regiments of the Pennsylva- the Fourth New York breathed a col- an excellent officer, he had no idea nia Line. And it did not seem partic- lective sigh of relief. By 1778, the

-- 30 "MARCH TO VALLEY FORGE,DECEMBER 16. 1777" BY WILLIAM8 T TREGO(1883), COURTESY OF THE VALLEYFORGE HISTORICALSOCIETY 1·1 I I · I I I - i i I I I _ I I - I I

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Continentals had considerable expe- the Continentals' affection. But by The situation appeared bleak when rience with foreign officers. A few, and large, officers and men alike George Washington's tattered army Hike the hard-swearing General Jo- shared George Washington's view marched into its winter encampment fhannes De Kalb and the thoroughly that the army of the Revolution at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania in competent chief of engineers, Gen- would be better off if the pompous December 1777 (above). But !eral Louis Duportail, had earned the Europeans, here to make a fortune Washington's leadership-and >grudging respect of the men and the and a name, went home. Prussian drillmaster Frederick von admiration of the officers. Several, Yet, the foreigner who visited the Steuben's military know-how- like the young Marquis de Lafay- Fourth New York that bleak morn- overcame the odds to turn the army ette, had actually managed to win ing, after muddying his polished into an effective fighting force.

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.} When Frederick von Steuben boots inspecting the "necessaries," first son of Wilhelm von Steuben, a arrived at Valley Forge, the hadn't demanded that the soldiers lieutenant of engineers in the Prus- soldiers of the American clean them for him. Far from scoff- sian army, and his wife, Maria Jus- army had only a sketchy ing at the regiment's battle honors, tina Dorothea von Jagow. Lieuten- knowledge of the military he had nodded vigorous approval ant Steuben, who was the grandson skills required for effective when he learned that the "Fightin' of a tenant farmer and the son of a combat, and there was no Fourth" had participated in the bat- minister, had no valid claim to the uniformity in the systems of tle of Saratoga. Even though his aristocratic "von." His family drilling employed by the jacket was draped with ribbons and name had been Steube; Wilhelm various brigades. Ignoring stars, he had squatted by the cook tacked on the "n" for the same rea- the "prejudice which some fires and sampled cornmeal mush son his father had added "von"- officers entertained . . . with his fingers. Altogether a most to associate his family with aristoc- that to drill a recruit was a remarkable event, Walker confided racy. But both Wilhelm's wife Maria sergeant's duty and to his brother officers, especially and his mother were members of i: beneath the station of an when one considered that the visitor junior (though impoverished). officer," Steuben personally was none other than Frederick Wil- branches of noble families. trained a model company of liam, Baron von Steuben, a former Shortly after Friedrich's birth, his soldiers, providing an lieutenant general in the army of was promoted to captain. But : i father example from which the Frederick the GreatKing of Prus- even at this rank, having a young i i Il entire twelve-thousand-man sia. And, if that wasn't startling son to consider and a wife who. I b force was soon indoctri- enough, the Prussian baron had of- yearned to live in a style well beyond ii nated in the key aspects fered to serve in the Continental the means of a junior officer, Cap- I1 I of marching, manual Army without rank or pay and to tain Steuben found it necessary to 3: i: · exercises, and battlefield undertake any duty he was assigned. leave Prussia for the better pay of conduct. the Russian Army, in which he he Fourth New York's re- served for eight years (1731-1739). markable visitor was born The prospect of war between Aus- on September 17, 1730 in tria and Prussia eventually enticed Magdeburg, a garrison town in the the Steubens back to their home- Kingdom of Prussia. Baptized Fri- land, and in 1744 fourteen-year-old edrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Friedrich served as a volunteer Augustin von Steuben, he was the alongside his father, now a major, at

32 "THE CAMP OF THE AMERICANARMY AT VALLEYFORGE, FEBRUARY 1778" BY EDWINAUSTIN ABBEY; COURTESY OF THE PENNSYLVANIAHISTORICAL AND MUSEUMCOMMISSIiON PHOTOGRAPHBY HUNT COMMERCIALPHOTOGRAPHY I

|e siege of Prague. The following bile French and Austrian forces, called Freicorps stressed the use of ear, the boy joined the Lestwitz that the young PrVssian polished the individual initiative, marksmanship, !egiment as a standard-bearer. Af- military skills that would later aid small-unit tactics, and mobility. rr that, advancement came rela- the cause of American indepen- Raised only for the duration of the vely swiftly for the young man, dence. war, usually by officers noted for bnsidering that he had neither enterprise and daring, the Freicorps .iends nor family connections at were light troops, fighting in ex- Durt to aid him: promotion to en- "I commenced tended order and operating far from gn in 1749, to second lieutenant in the watchful eyes of generals and in- 752, and to first lieutenant in operations by spectors. 759.* drafting 120 men Soldiers in such units, it was Like all young Prussian army of- quickly discovered, could not be cers, Steuben was expected to mas- from the lire, whom flogged into blind obedience. But a r the craft of soldiering. "Steu- I formed into a high level of morale and discipline n's regiment," notes biographer could be developed and maintained )hn McAuley Palmer, "was a strict guard for the by stressing and building bonds of ;hool in which he learned every de- mutual regard, admiration, and il of the military business and general in chief. I trust between officers and men. ove all the secret of discipline. To made this guard my Such a style of discipline troubled [y that he was a lieutenant in King traditional "line" officers, and even ederick's Lestwitz Regiment is to military school." Frederick the Great, who oversaw y that he was a member of the much of the action personally. But ost highly trained corps of infan- the need for the Freicorps grew in- r officers in the world." Steuben's History generally characterizes creasingly evident during the long tors were the senior regimental the Prussian army as a rigidly struc- war, so the units met success. rgeants and the inspectors, a corps tured, tightly controlled war ma- Toward the end of the Seven select, highly trained officers chine. Indeed, the regular infantry Years' War, King Frederick estab- hose duty it was to insure uniform- and cavalry regiments worked as lished a special class in the military of drill, rigid discipline, economy finely wrought parts of a precision arts, comprised of thirteen selected russia was, after all, a poor coun- watch from the workbench of a officers who had shown exceptional i^with a huge army), and thorough master craftsman. In a formal, set military ability in the field. Among mpetence in all ranks. Then too, piece battle no force in Europe those selected as students were Steu- ie every other Prussian officer could match the Prussian "line." ben, as Quartiermeister Leutnant, om veteran general to raw subal- But time and again the Prussians and Count Wilhelmi von Anhalt, rn, a junior lieutenant in the found themselves confounded by the Quartiermeister General. This istwitz Regiment was expected to their enemies during the daily "little school, forerunner of the Kriegs t his boots muddy as he marched war" of patrols, raids, and engage- Akadamie, was instructed solely by d countermarched his men over ments involving light weaponry. King Frederick himself. Thus did e parade ground. Largely as a result of the influence Steuben-not yet thirty-three years The 1756 outbreak of the Seven of the great Comte Hermann old-achieve the highest level of ars' War brought Steuben oppor- Maurice de Saxe, the French army professional standing in the Prus- nities to broaden his military had developed the concept of the sian Army. owledge and experience, to gain "legion," a small, mixed force of Prince Henry, younger brother of :ognition, and to win promotion. infantry, cavalry, and artillery units, Frederick the Great, had ensured it even in a long and bloody war, trained and organized to skirmish Steuben's appointment as assistant ere seemed little hope for ad- and ambush, reconnoiter and raid. quartermaster in the royal head- ncement in a regular line regi- The Russians, too, masked troop quarters. Rather than being associ- nt. In 1758 Steuben took a leave movements, scouted, probed, and ated with supplies, quartermasters, absence from his unit and joined forayed using their Cossacks. But it along with the inspectors, were the e Freicorps von Mayr. It was was the Austrian army that domi- principal staff officers and the ere, among the special units nated the "little war" with its regi- king's eyes and ears. The quarter- rmed to counter elite, highly mo- ments of troops recruited along the masters' duties included conducting Turkish border. This light infantry patrols, setting up camps, supervis- recause of the inaccuracy of various of Balkan mountaineers called Pan- urces concerning ing marches, and forming the army Steuben's life and dours cause so many German archival rec- constantly bested the Prus- for battle. ds were destroyed during World War sians. Steuben's career may have seemed scholars disagree on some of these To counter these light troop for- assured, but along with his choice tes. Steuben himself was inconsistent mations, the German states orga- appointment the young captain had ncerning dates andfacts regarding his nized regiments of Jaegers. With acquired an enemy-Count von nily and military career. Prussia taking the lead, ad hoc units Anhalt. Like the king and most of

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33 C "I Took the Musket Myself"

... S oon after arriving at Val- onet, charged front, etc. It af- ley Forge in 1778, Freder- forded a new and agreeable sight ick William "Baron" von for the young officers and sol- Steuben set about training Amer- diers. Having gained my point, I ica's Continental soldiers for the dispersed my apostles, the inspec- long fight for independence. In a tors, and my new doctrine was letter to an old Prussian army largely embraced. I lost no time companion, Steuben described in extending my operations on a how he metamorphosed raw large scale. I applied my system troops into polished soldiers: to battalions, afterwards to bri- "I commenced operations by gades, and in less than three drafting 120 men from the line, weeks I executed maneuvers with whom I formed into a guard for an entire division in [the] pres- thet general-in-chief [George ence of the commander-in- Washington]. I made this guard chief." my military school. I drilled them Among the most notable myself twice a day, and to remove changes Steuben instituted during that English prejudice which his modernization of the revolu- some officers entertained, tionary forces was a medium- namely, that to drill a recruit was speed marching step that worked a sergeant's duty and beneath the better than either the fast or slow station of an officer, I often took steps previously used. He also the musket myself to show the eliminateaI* · s · several_ I conIusing_ r..·_ men the manual exercise which I carry arms, stand at ease, present movements in the manual exer- wished to introduce. All my in- arms, to load, take aim, fire by cise, and insisted that the men use spectors were present at each platoons, and to charge bayo- their bayonets as weapons rather drill. We marched together, nets. Another reason tiiat in- than as spits for cooking. wheeled, etc., and in a fortnight duced me to pay but little atten- One of the Baron's most im- my company knew perfectly how tion to this eternal nnanual portant contributions was a four- to bear arms, had a military air, exercise was that several of my man-wide marching formation knew how to march, to form in predecessors commenced ^with it, that departed from the colonial columns, deploy, and execute and before they had surmounted army tradition of long Indian- ,some little maneuvers with excel- these preliminaries, were (obliged style single-file columns, which in lent precision. to quit the service, haviing lost many cases had brought the rear "It must be owned that they their influence and before the of- of the line to the battlefield too did not know much of the man- ficers had an opportunity of see- late to be of any use. "This was ual exercise, and I ought to men- ing the practical advantage of this the real reason why some organi- tion the reasons why I departed elementary instruction. This in- zations had reached the battle- altogether from the general rule duced me to revise the old sys- field too late at such battles as of all European armies, and com- tem, and instead of commlencing Brandywine and Germantown," menced with the manual exercise with the manual and plate)on ex- notes biographer John McAuley in drilling recruits like children ercises and ending with rnaneu- Palmer. "Until this lesson was learning their alphabet. In the vers, I commenced with rnaneu- learned, efficient maneuver on first place I had no time to do vers and ended with the exe:rcises. the parade ground or on the bat- otherwise. In our European -"I had my company of guards tlefield was impossible." armies a man who has been exactly as I wished them to be. "My Enterprise Succeeded bet- drilled for three months is called They were well dressed, their ter than I had dared to expect," a recruit, here in two months I arms cleaned and in good order, wrote the Baron, "and I had the must have a soldier. In Europe we and their general appeearance Satisfaction, in a month's time, had a number of evolutions very quite respectable. I parade(d them to see not only a regular Step in- pretty to look at when well exe- in the presence of all the o)fficers troduced in the Army, but I also cuted, but in my opinion abso- of the army and gave the-m the made maneuvers with ten and lutely useless so far as essential opportunity of exhibiting aill they twelve Battalions with as much subjects are concerned. I never- knew. They formed in cc)lumn, precision as the Evolution of a theless taught my company to deployed, attacked with thie bay- Single Company." *

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the senior commanders, Anhalt S uddenly cut loose after more ment with various European armies, frowned upon Freicorps officers as than two decades of military all to no avail. In 1775 and 1776 he too independent and too accus- service, Steuben drifted repeatedly offered his military ser- tomed to thinking for themselves. across Germany, yet another unem- vices to the French government, but Although history provides scant de- ployed officer seeking his fortune. it was not until April 1777 that he tails of the events that followed, the But his patron, Prince Henry, se- entered into negotiations with play- senior officer likely dissuaded Fred- cured him numerous introductions, wright and spymaster Pierre Augus- erick the Great from promoting including one to the Prince of Wiirt- tin Caron de Beaumarchais, and Steuben. "[Anhalt] used his powers temberg. Through the prince, Steu- through Beaumarchais with Ben- in the crudest possible fashion, and ben met Joseph Frederick William, jamin Franklin and Silas Deane, the he was responsible for the departure Prince of Hohenzollern-Hechingen, representatives of the American rev- from the service of a large number who needed a trustworthy and expe- olutionaries at the French court. of officers," explains military histo- rienced individual to help run his Beaumarchais quickly saw the Tian Christopher Duffy, "ranging small principaliy and his large merit in Steuben's offer. The from Steuben to no less a personage household. A curious relationship French, longtime enemies of their than Prince Ferdinand of Bruns- based on mutual trust and depen- neighbors across the English Chan- wick." dence grew between Prince Joseph nel, supported American indepen- Steuben himself offered little ex- and the ex-captain, and lasted more dence more out of hatred for Great planation of what happened: "Of than a decade. Britain than from love of liberty. my service in the Seven Years' War I Later, when the prince's finances But France had not yet declared war have no reason to be ashamed," he collapsed, the pair evidently shared against England, so operations had later wrote. "At the close of this bankruptcy, genteel poverty, and ex- to be conducted clandestinely. As war an inconsiderate step and the ile. By the early 1770s, the prince the organizer of these activities, !rancor of an implacable enemy frus- and Steuben (who in 1769 had be- Beaumarchais needed someone of trated my expectation of an appro- gun to style himself "Baron* von high enough military standing to as- priate reward. To say it in one word, Steuben" around the time that he sist Washington. But the Frenchman I found myself compelled to quit the received his coveted knighthood could send no officer from his na- Prussian service." badge (the Star of the Order of tion's army because doing so would Palmer, Steuben's chief modern Fidelity), crisscrossed Germany and violate France's declared neutrality biographer, suggests that Anhalt France, one step ahead of their cred- and, moreover, because there were Imay well have been the "implacable itors and a half-step ahead of ru- no high-ranking French officers enemy," but historians can only mors about the Baron's sexual pref- with staff training available at that speculate as to what inconsiderate erences.** time. -Steuben was Beaumarchais's step the young Prussian officer As the prince's finances and do- golden egg. The Frenchman en- .took. Some suggest that Steuben, in main collapsed, Steuben increas- dorsed the erstwhile Prussian cap- his characteristically spontaneous ingly sought out possible employ- tain and sent him to Franklin, who manner, may have challenged the se- "promoted" Steuben to lieutenant nior officer to a duel, or that King *Some authorities suggest that the general for the sake of appearance Frederick may have discovered prince, as a sovereign of the Holy Ro- and recommended his services to Steuben's spurious claim to noble man Empire, may have conferred the ti- General Washington and the Conti- ancestry. However, in those days tle of baron upon his chief minister or nental Congress. for Steuben when the king was ruthlessly dis- may have procured the title On December 1, 1777, the ship Le from the imperial court. banding his army with no regard for Flamand, carrying a cargo of arms those who had served him so loyally, and munitions, a half dozen young **Steuben, who never married, carried French officers, and a garrulous any minor indiscretion could have correspondencesin on long, affectionate to be a lieuten- been the "inconsiderate step" that the romantic style of the era with several gentleman claiming drove Steuben from royal favor. men; though he resistedseveral attempts ant general in the Prussian army So it was that despite the young to arrange marriages with noblewomen, traveling under the pseudonym of quartermaster's training and what some scholars believe that Steuben was Mr. Frank, docked at Portsmouth, appeared to be a smooth path to early disappointed in love, possibly with New Hampshire. rapid promotion and prominence in the Duchess of WUrttemberg, the pa- From Portsmouth, Steuben sent a 'the Prussian army, when peace re- troness who bestowed upon Steuben the letter to the Continental Congress ,turned to Europe in 1763, Steuben Star of Fidelity. "According to [Freder- that stated in part: "The honor of having been ick] Kapp, [a nineteenth-century Steu- serving a respectable Nation, en- |was but a staff captain, "the ben biographer]," says Palmer, gaged in the noble enterprize of de- .essentially demoted when he was re- portrait of a young woman miniature liberty, is the .lieved of duty at the royal headquar- accidentallyfellfrom his cabinet [late in fending its rights and ters. Records indicate that he was his life]. A friend picked it up and asked only motive that brought me over to dropped from active roles before the him who she was. The Baron was over- this Continent. I ask neither riches Fend of the year, likely at his own re- come by emotion. He only said, 'She nor titles. I am come here ... at my !quest. was a matchless woman.'" Continued on page 66

35 I , I ___ _ The Baron Continuedfrom page 35 glish, French, or Prussian drill regu- picketing, for running the gauntlet own expense, and have given up an lations, but no two units knew the and caning. Discipline, the Prussian honorable and lucrative rank. I have same ones. Steuben had therefore to taught, had to be based on mutual made no condition with your Depu- compose a uniform drill manual be- regard. Officers and men must be ties in France, nor shall I make any fore he could start to teach the sol- bound together not by fear but by with you. My only ambition is to diers how to execute it." trust, loyalty, and affection. Indeed, serve you as a Volunteer, to deserve "Baron Steuben" rode about the in the Blue Book, the word "love" the confidence of your General in encampment, noted a contempo- describes the bond that should hold Chief, and to follow him in his oper- rary, "giving an impression of the together a company, a regiment, and ations, as I have done during seven ancient fabled god of war ... a per- an army. campaigns with the King of fect personification of Mars. The Such radical ideas gained neither Prussia..... trappings of his horse, the enor- immediate nor widespread accep. The letter, which some scholars mous holsters of his pistols, his tance. But some of the army's more suspect was penned by Franklin large size, and his striking martial astute officers found, as did Colonel himself (Steuben knew no English), aspect all seemed to favor the idea." Livingston, the combative com- worked admirably. Congress gra- As Steuben proved his worth and mander of the Fourth New York, ciously accepted Steuben's services, competence, a major general's com- that the Baron's system of drill, tac- and directed him to Valley Forge to mission and Congressional confir- tics, and discipline was "most per- meet with General Washington and mation of his post as inspector gen- fect and sensible." In fact, so en- his starving, motley assortment of eral of the Continental Army thralled was "Mad Henry" Liv- troops-whose luck, along with followed. ingston that he decided against re- Steuben's, was about to change. The schoolbook image of the signing his commission until he had Within two weeks after his first flamboyant "Baron" drilling rag- mastered the Baron's teachings. Ex- inspection of the Continental Ar- ged privates rings true. But he did perienced and able young officers my's cantonment at Valley Forge, much more than teach men how to such as John Brooks of Massachu- Steuben, though still without rank march in step. The Baron, as he was setts and Francis Barber of New Jer- or formal position, was serving as commonly addressed, quickly de- sey, and the quartermaster general, acting inspector general at Washing- vised a new, simplified battle drill Major General Nathanael Greene of ton's request. Within a month he and saw to it that every regiment Rhode Island, had already begun tackled his assigned herculean task: adopted the procedure. He set up a the task of streamlining the army's retraining America's ragtag army. model company [see sidebar on page command and staff systems, and 34], taught these soldiers the stan- they found in the Baron a colleague teuben's letters home reveal dardized drill, and then turned them willing and anxious to share his the immensity of the task he loose to train others while he indoc- technical proficiency. faced at Valley Forge. "With trinated another group. He intro- Most importantly, Steuben en- regard to their military discipline, I duced the latest European tactics, joyed the support of Washington may safely say no such thing ex- notably l'ordre mixte-a system for and senior commanders such as isted," he wrote. "My determina- maneuvering in columns and fight- Rhode Island's Brigadier General tion must have been very firm that I ing in line that allowed regiments to James Varnum, who persisted in re- did not abandon my design when I move rapidly and develop maximum ferring to the inspector general as saw these troops. .. . Matters had firepower-and he restructured the "Baron Stupend" and who told his to be remedied, but where to com- battle formations to give brigadier colleague, Major General John Sul- mence was the great difficulty." The generals and colonels greater con- livan, how "very advantageous" men, suffering from the frigid win- trol over their units. The instruc- was the "Proosian." So popular did ter, lived in crude huts and tents. tions that Steuben labo4ously wrote the inspector general become that They were almost without clothing, out during those early weeks were when Steuben obtained permission food, arms, and ammunition. Many translated and later printed in a vol- to establish an inspectorate to insure had nary a blanket to protect them- ume renowned as the Blue Book, order, uniformity, and consistency selves from the elements, "and so which "eventually formed the basis within the Continental Army, offi- they were compelled to sit up all of U.S. Army training until the Civil cers vied for appointments, enabling night by the camp-fires for War." the Baron to select some of the best warmth." But above all, the former men in the army. Notes historian Noel F. Busch, Freicorps captain began, with an The Baron also assembled an ex- "The army at Valley Forge was ... evangelist's proselytizing zeal, to in- cellent personal staff. His aides con- not a national army at all but merely still in the Continental officers a a collection of detachments from new concept of military discipline. Resplendent in uniform and the various colonies. Some of these In the Baron's scheme of things, decorations, Steuben posed for had been taught smatterings of En- there was no place for flogging and portraitist Ralph Earl in 1786.

OPRTW 6 6OR TS QFTENWYR TT ITRCLASCAIN 66 COURTESYQF THE NEW YORKSTATE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION, COOPERSTOWN I I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Steuben Thro igh Nineteenth-Centu .y Eyes

rederick William Augustus, desired secretly to aid them, by Valley Forge, suffering all the hor- Baron Steuben, a Major- sending over some experienced of- rors of an inclement winter, with- General in the continental ficer to train and discipline the out proper food, shelter or cloth- army, was born, it is believed, in troops. Accordingly, on the 26th of ing. Five thousand men were in the Suabia, in the year 1730. He served September, Steuben, with his suite, hospitals. Discipline had almost with distinction in the army of the set sail from Marsailles, having disappeared in the general suffer- great Frederick, attained the honor first resigned all his employments ing. Indeed there never had been of Aid-de-camp to that monarch, in Europe. yet, in the American army, that and, at the peace of 1763, when he Dr. Franklin, though anxious to vigorous attention to this subject retired from Prussia, was pre- secure the services of the Baron, which distinguished the camps of sented by the King with a canonry Europe; and the disastrous conse- in the cathedral of Harelburg. His quences were felt whenever the raw military talents were still remem- levies of Washington met the bered in Berlin, many years after- trained veterans of Great Britain in wards; for when Congress applied the open field. to the different European courts There was no general system ofl for a transcript of their military tactics employed, but the meni codes, the Prime Minister of Fred- from each state drilled differently. erick replied that their regulations Many were ignorant of the manual had never been published, but that exercise; very few understood fiel~ the Baron Steuben, who was in movements: and, to add to the t America, could give the necessary evil, the officers were as untaught information, as he was acquainted as the common soldiers. The ut-l with the minutest details of the most carelessness prevailed in the Prussian system. use of arms, the discharged re- On his retirement from Berlin, cruits frequently carrying home , Baron Steuben went to Ho- their equipments, while the new lev- 3 henzollen-Hechingen, where he ies always came without weapons, was made Grand Marshal of the so that it was customary to allow 4 Court, and appointed Colonel of had declined making any arrange- five thousand muskets beyond the the circle of Suabia. In the year ment with Steuben, his powers not numbers of the muster roll, to sup- I 1767, the Prince Margrave of Ba- authorizing him to do so. On his ply the waste. Washington had A den bestowed on him the title of arrival in America, therefore, long seen and regretted this evil. General, with the chief command Steuben waited on Congress with But he had sought in vain for a ' of the troops. The income of Steu- his recommendations, stating that remedy. I ben now amounted to abQut three he came to act as a volunteer until The arrival of Baron Steuben, thousand dollars, which was a suf- it should be seen whether his assis- however, at once relieved him of ficiently ample sum for his rank so tance would be ob value or not; his difficulty, for he saw that, in l long as he remained a bachelor. He that, if his services proved no ac- this experienced veteran, he had | had, therefore, no idea of aban- quisition, he should ask no com- found the very man so long de- doning his comparatively lucrative pensation; but that, if they were sired. The Baron immediately un-: employments, and embarking in beneficial, he would trust in the dertook the task of drilling the ^ an uncertain contest in a distant honor of Congress to remunerate men, and inspecting their weap- land; especially at his advanced him for the income he had sacri- ons. He trained a company himself | years. But, happening to visit ficed and give him whatever fur- as a beginning. After partially in- Paris, he was prevailed on to offer ther allowance might be thought structing the officers as well as the ! his services to the American Con- deserved. These modest terms were privates, for a considerable time, gress, by the solicitations of the immediately acceded to by Con- he began to reap the fruits of his French minister, who, although the gress, and Steuben ordered to re- exertions. The army assumed co- Court of Versailles had not yet de- pair to head-quarters. herence. The troops manoeuvred clared in favor of the Americans, At this period the Army was at with the precision of veterans.

L- -· 68 ,4,~o r i -0 A A/ (-/s7o - 9o L~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

re was no longer any waste of the renowned grenadiers of Corn- ginia and New Jersey had each pre- s and ammunition. wallis. The magic wand by which sented him with a small gift of rhe Baron had been in the camp he did this was discipline. land; and New York had voted him ta short time when Washington In July 1778, the Baron became sixteen thousand acres in the bte to Congress. "I should do desirous of exchanging his post as Oneida tract. ustice, if I were to be longer si- Inspector-General for a command But he did not live many years to t with regard to the merits of of equal honor in the regular line. enjoy it. On the 25th of November, on Steuben. His expectations Hitherto, in consequence of his be- 1794, he was struck with paralysis th respect to rank extend to that ing attached to a distinct depart- and died three days afterwards. He Major-General. His finances, he ment, his rank as Major-General. was buried in the forest, on his enuously confesses, will not ad- had not interfered with the claims farm, not far from Utica. Subse- t of his serving without the inci- of any one; but, if his request had quently, a road having been laid tal emoluments; and Congress, been granted, the prbmotion of all out to run over his grave, his re- resume, from his character, and the Brigadiers in succession would mains were taken up and re- eir own knowledge of him, will have had to be postponed. Con- interred at a little distance, where a thout difficulty gratify him in gress accordingly, at Washington's monument was erected over the ese particulars." On the 5th of suggestion, declined acceding to ashes. ay, 1778, Steuben was, accord- this desire. At the same time, how- Steuben was of incalculable ser- ely, appointed Inspector- ever, that body confirmed Steu- vice to the American cause by in- eneral, with the rank and pay of ben's absolute authority in the de- troducing the European discipline ajor-General. The department partment of Inspector-General, in into the army. He made an excel- inspection was now arranged on opposition to the claims of the lent General for regulars, but epermanent footing, and thor- Inspector-General in the army of could not manage militia with any ghly systematized. Gates, who asserted his indepen- success. In disposition he was af- The Baron, finding the Euro- dence of Steuben. The Baron, per- fectionate, generous and warm- n military systems too compli- haps, recognized the justice of the hearted. He had, in many things, ted, varied them so as to be refusal, for he never renewed the the simplicity of a child. apted to the condition and char- request. His temper was quick, but he er of the American army; and, He was, however, occasionally was always ready to make amends !1779, he published, at the re- indulged in a separate command for injustice. On one occasion he est of Congress, a work on disci- whenever circumstances would al- had arrested an officer for throw- ne and inspection, which contin- low it. In 1780 he was sent to join ing the line into disorder, but, find- d, until after the close of the the army of Greene, but remained ing him innocent, he apologized, ntury, to be the standard in most in Virginia to prepare and forward the next day, at the head of the reg- fthe states. recruits. The invasion of Cornwal- iment, his hat off, and the rain 'It was owing in a great measure lis found him thus engaged, and he pouring on his silvery head. In Vir- the instructions of the Baron had the satisfaction, after joining ginia he sold his camp equipage to at the American troops acquitted his forces to those of LaFayette, to give a dinner to the French offi- emselves at Monmouth so much follow up the fugitive General, and cers, declaring that he would keep e veterans. He was justly proud command in the trenches at up the credit of the army even if he f his own services and of the pro- Yorktown on the day when a capit- had to eat from a wooden spoon ciency of his pupils. He wrote, on ulation was proposed, a post of for the rest of his life. When the subsequent occasion, "Though honor which he maintained, in ac- troops were being disbanded, and e are so young that we scarce be- cordance with the usages of Euro- he had the cheerless prospect of a n to walk, we have already taken pean warfare, until the British flag pennyless old age before him, he tony Point and Paulus Hook, at was struck. gave almost his last dollar to a e point of the bayonet and with- After the peace, the Baron was brother officer with a family, who t firing a single shot." Perhaps reduced to comparative want. In was too poor to return home. e advantages of discipline were vain he applied to Congress to re- Cheerful in the gloomiest af- ever exhibited so strikingly as in munerate him for what he had sac- fairs, generous to a fault, a little he superior efficacy of the Ameri- rificed in its behalf: for while the vain of his rank, a warm friend, a an soldiers after Steuben's arrival propriety of his claim was admit- hearty enemy to meanness: such in this country. He found the ted, no active measures were taken was Baron Steuben. May his name troops raw militia: he made them to liquidate it. For seven years he be long held in remembrance by |resolute veterans. On his arrival, fruitlessly petitioned the nation for that country for which he sacri- |Washington, from necessity, was justice. At last, on the adoption of ficed so much! * Istill fighting with the pickaxe and the federal constitution, an act was the spade; but within a year Steu- passed by Congress to give him an From The Military Heroes of the Revolu- -ben had rendered the men fit to annuity of twenty-five hundred tion by Charles J. Peterson (Philadel- scope in the open field, even with dollars. Meantime, however, Vir- phia, 1852). '. . 0- 69 : 9 ,,:,.

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BIOGRAPHIES c :E' t A ULEY PALME I > *i '- ^ S __ ^^^^^^^^^^^r.. * ***^a~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~fx^~~~~-. :^ .^ CHAPTER I

BIRTH AND BAPTISM

1 N the pedestal of the Steuben monument in Washing- ton, it is inscribed that Frederick William Augustus Henry Ferdinand, Baron von Steuben, was born on er 15, 1780. This has long been accepted as his date of rests upon the authority of Friedrich Kapp who ob- t from a member of the ancient Steuben family in Ger- hrough Kalkhorst's researches we now know that Steu- born on September 17, 1730. In 1921, through corre- ce with Dr. Schneider of Magdeburg, Kalkhorst ob- photograph from the baptismal register of the old Reformed Church in Magdeburg for the year 1780. A ion of this record follows:

SEPTEMBER 24. William Augustin von Steube,* Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers of this place and his beloved wife, Maria Jus- othea von Jagow, had their son, born the seventeenth of th, baptized with the name of Frederick William Ludolf Augustin. The Godparents Royal Majesty in Prussia, Frederick William. T Ludolf von Liideritz, Royal Prussian chief forester in he duchy of Magdeburg. rr Gerhard von Wallrave, Colonel of the Royal Prussian ~rtillery of this place [i.e., the Fortress of Magdeburg]. 'r Augustin von Steube, chief preacher of the Reformed arish of Brandenburg. ne appears as Stoebe, Steube and Stoyben in the earlier records. It Lme Steuben. GENERAL VON STEUBEN 5. Frau von Metsch of the Nordstemke family. 6. Frau von Veltheim of the Aderstadt family. \

WHILE the true date of Steuben's birth is sufficiently estal lished by the foregoing record, it may be interesting to quoi the Baron himself in confirmation. In 1786, on his fifty-sixthl birthday, he wrote a letter, in French, to his young American1 friend and former aide-de-camp, William North. The openingl paragraph of this letter is translated as follows: On the seventeenth of September, 1730, at six o'clock in the eve- ning, there was born at Magdeburg, Frederick William Augustus,! etc., etc., etc. This man is then fifty-six years old today.-Is he' rich?-No. Is he wise?-No. Then what in the devil is he doing forI such a long time in this world? He does not like to hang himself. Tell me then, my dear Billy, how ought he to get out of it.1 Here the Baron adds to the official record by giving us the hour of his birth. While we cannot admit him as an entirely competent witness in this autobiographical detail, we may infer that he obtained it from his parents. They were married some- time in 1729, the year before his birth. As he was the first-born of their ten children, we may safely assume that they retained a tolerably accurate impression as to the precise hour of his advent. 8 A GLANCE at the birth record will show how he came by his' Christian name: FREDERICK WILLIAM LUDOLF GERHARD AU- GUSTIN. The Frederick Wiltiam came from the first godfather, His Majesty, the King of Prussia and father of Frederick the Great. The Ludolf came from the second sponsor, a kinsman of his mother's. The Gerhard came from the third sponsor, an artillery officer of high rank, probably the commanding officer of the fortress of Magdeburg where the infant's father served. 14 GENERAL VON STEUBEN wig von Steuben. As a matter of fact, no such person ever e.! isted. Steuben's grandfather was indeed Augustin Steube, bt! he was a protestant parson of plebeian descent and not tlJ "Lord of Ens and Gerbstaedt." It appears that late in life A.J gustin assumed the noble "von," thus changing his name frog| Steube to von Steube. Still later his son, William Augusti, with the assistance of some accommodating genealogist, in. vented "Ludwig von Steuben, Knight of St. John," as the nec, essary connecting link between his father and the ancient noble house of that name. Ludwig von Steuben thus proves to be a typical case of an ancestor manufactured ex post facto for genealogical convenience.1

2 THE Baron's actual descent in the male line, as determined by Kalkhorst, is given in the following table:

KLAUS STEUBE [greatret-great-grandfather]. A miller in Hesse. Names of parents unknown. LUDWIG STEUBE [great-grandfather]. A tenant-farmer in Hesse, son of Klaus Steube by a wife whose name is unknown. AUGUSTIN STEUBE [grandfather]. An ambitious self-made man, minister in the German Re- formed Church, man of letters. He inserted the "von" in his name about 1708. Fourth son of Ludwig Steube by a wife whose name is unknown. WILLIAM AUGUSTIN VON STEUBE [father]. Born at Vacha, 1699; died at Ciistrin, 1783. Officer in the Prussian Army, Knight of the Order Pour le merite. Fourth son of Augustin Steube by his wife, Charlotte Dorothea von Effern. FREDERICK WILLIAM LUDOLF GERHARD AUGUSTIN [our Baron von Steuben]. Alias Frederick William Augustus Henry Ferdinand, BARON VON STEUBEN. Born at Magdeburg, 1730; died near THE STEUBEN ANCESTRY 15 Utica, N. Y., 1794. Officer in the Prussian Army, 1746- 63. Major General, United States Army, 1778-84. Eldest child of William Augustin von Steube by his wife, Maria Justina Dorothea von Jagow. The foregoing diagram rather overemphasizes the strain of plebeian ancestry. For, notwithstanding his spurious claims to noble descent on the male side, our Steuben had a reasonable share of blue blood in his veins. His mother was a daughter of the Von Jagows and his paternal grandmother was of the high- est noble descent. The very genealogists who deny his grand- father, Augustin, a place among the elect, trace the blood of his grandmother, Charlotte Dorothea von Effern, step by step back to "Karl the Great" and St. Elizabeth. 2 The American reader will be content with this compromise. On the one side the blood imperial of Charlemagne; on the other side that of a suc- cessful self-made man, a rare phenomenon in eighteenth-cen- tury Prussia. I . & I

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r- mn Feb. 2, 1999 Program: "Baron Von Steuben"

John Holmes gave a presentation as "Baron Von Steuben". Prof. Holmes is an English Professor for Univ. of Steubenville and presents himself as the Baron at many functions around our city. He stated that the title Baron is accurate for Von Steuben. His family tree showed this although it was proven in the 20th Century.that he was not of nobility. The Baron explained to those in attendance at this meeting how the Seven Ranges were established and gave a little bit of Local History including the fact that Ft. Steuben received its name of Jan. 4, 1787. The Baron began giving "Fun Fort Facts" during the City's Bicentennial in 1997 and still continues to do this on WSTV Radio.

There is a monument to Von Steuben in Pottsdam, Germany and there is also a replica of this statue in Washington, DC. The one in Germany was once torn down but later rebuilt. There is also a statue of the Baron in Oneida Co. Ny, where he is buried. Also, there is a painting of the Baron in the Main Library in Steubenville. He recounted the fact that he never visited Steubenville.

Benjamin Franklin visited France and persuaded the Baron to come to America. He could not promise to pay the Baron's expenses nor even promise him any payment once he came to America. Franklin wanted him to train our troops here during the Rev. War.

The Baron never married. He promised his father that he would not marry while he was in the military because his father had married his mother while he was in the military and he felt it was no life for a family. By the age of 14, the Baron had already fought in battle.

One interesting fact that was recounted: West Point was a Fort before the Baron suggested it become a military academy. A young man who knew the Baron changed his name from Jonathan Arnold to Jonathan Steuben because of the Baron's advice. The Baron did not like the name Arnold because of Benedict Arnold's fame.

The way of training the troops at Valley Forge was followed in this pattern. The Baron trained 100 men and they in turn trained 100 men, etc.

(Presentation given at Schiappa Branch Library for the Jefferson County Genealogical Society) The Baron Voi Steuben http://www.rootsweb.com/-ohjefogs/vonsteuben.htm

Back to: DATA TO BROWSE The Jefferson County Chapter, OGS

A SHORT SKETCH OF FRIEDRICH WILHELM AGUSTUS Von STEUBEN contributed by Charles Green

Von Steuben was born in Madgeburg, Prussia in 1730, a son of Wilhelm Von Steu Mary Dorthea Von Iagow. His early schooling was by Jesuits in Breslau, but at age was with his father, who was serving under Frederick the Great, at the siege of Prag 1746 Steuben became a soldier and was promoted to ensign in 1749. In May of 1757, a lieutenant, he was wounded at the second battle of Prague. After he recovered from h injury he was able to participate in the Battle of Rossbach in November of 1757. I quit the army and entered the service of General John Mayr who was a prominent sold fortune. It was from General Mayr that Steuben learned the infantry tactics that h later apply to the American Colonial Army. General Mayr died in January 1759 and St returned to the regular army where he was promoted to captain. During a battle at Ku in July of 1759, Steuben was again slightly wounded. With the ending of the Seven Ye in February 1753, Steuben was discharged and for the next few years he spent his tim around the European countries visiting some of the wealthy and prominent families of time. During 1777 Steuben, who had been looking for an army unit to join, was in Pa he met Benjamin Franklin, who was in Paris trying to get French assistance for the A Revolution. Franklin notified General George Washington about the "Lieutenant G and Steuben was invited to the colonies to meet with Washington. Steuben arrive ship Flamand, on December 1, 1777, at Portsmouth, New Hampshire with his secretary a aide-de-camp. A few days later von Steuben sent a short note to the Continental Co York, Pennsylvania and, to General Washington, which is a classic and is repeated he

Honorable Gentlemen: The honor of serving a nation engaged the noble enterprise of defending its rights and liberties, was t that brought me to this continent. I ask neither riches nor title come here from the remotest end of Germany, at my own expense, an given up an honorable and lucrative rank. I have made no conditio your deputies in Franced, nor shall I make with you. My only ambit serve you as a volunteer, to deserve the confidence of your gene chief, and to follow him in all his operations, as I have done du seven campaigns with the King of Prussia. Two and twenty years in such a school seem to give me a right of thinking mysel the number of experienced officers; and if I am possessed of th ments of the art of war, they will be much more prized by me if I c them in the service of a republic such as I hope soon to see in Ame should willingly purchase, at the expense of my blood, the hono having my name enrolled among those of the defenders of your libert gracious acceptance will be sufficient for me, and I ask no othe than to be received among your officers. I venture to hope that you this, my request, and you will be so good as to send me your orders where I shall await them, and take suitable measures in accordance.

This was too brilliant of a letter to have been written by a German, who spoke and whose secretary, Duponceau, was also inexperienced in English. So, who compose letter? McAuley Palmer, author of the biography, "General von Steuben", credits Ben Franklin with being the author. The letter does have the writing flourish of Frankl so impressed the Continental Congress that they passed a resolution, on January 14, accepting the services of von Steuben. The agreement between the congress and von simply stated that Steuben wanted to volunteer and he wanted no rank or pay. He only his expenses to be paid and, if the States should not win their freedom, the congres him nothing. But, should the patriots win the war, then von Steuben expected to rec remuneration for his services and sacrifices. Thus, the Prussian Captain has now "a rank of Lieutenant General, he has been accepted into the Colonial Army and is bein to serve with General George Washington at Valley Forge.

1of 3 3/4/99 8:06 PM The Baron Von Steuben http://www.rootsweb.com/-ohjefogs/vonsteuben.htm

When he arrived at Valley Forge on February 23, he was appalled by the conrditi army. There was no accountability for supplies, officers were not sure of the numb under their command, some men had no cloth'ng% some men had no weapons and there was complete lack of discipline. The troops were in the habit of coming and going as th pleased and the ones who lived nearby would just walk away and return to their homes they would tend their cattle and perform other farm duties. Von Steuben immediately control and became a drill sergeant. He started teaching marching, marksmanship an tactics. He introduced small unit tactics by hand picking 100 men, training them a them go out and train others. He taught camp sanitary conditions by establishing latrines, away from the tent areas, for all the soldiers to use. He had the men se tents in rows so the camp began to have a military structured appearance. In von St writings he makes the statement, "It would be an endless task to enumerate the abuse nearly ruined the army."

Two of Steuben's biggest supporters in his training scheme were Nathaniel Gr Alexander Hamilton. Steuben, who could speak almost no English, could communicate Greene and Hamilton in French, and it was these two patriots who would pass on his o the other officers. Greene, Hamilton, Laurens and Steuben worked long hours establ the specific duties for officers, for the guards and outlining troop maneuvers.

On April 30, 1778, General Washington recommended, to Congress, that von Steu appointed Inspector General of the Army. Congress complied and in May 1778, the Pru Captain was now a legitimate general. One of von Steuben's first problems came fro Generals LaFayette, Lee and Mifflin who did not have the degree of respect for von S methods as did Washington. They felt that they were being interfered with in the tra troops under their command, but Steuben continued to perform his duties and he maint the respect of General Washington.

Steuben wrote a training manual that was called 'The Blue Book', or, more fo "Regulations For The Order And Discipline Of The Troops". The book included detail instructions for the discipline and conduct of officers and enlistees, as well as or of units, and all related issues. Washington approved the book and printing commen three thousand copies that had been ordered by Congress.

During the winter of 1779-80, General Washington sent von Steuben to appear b Congress for the purpose of getting their permission on the reorganization of the a the spring von Steuben was in Virginia where he assisted LaFayette with Virginia Con troops. During the battle at Yorktown he commanded a division and after the war ende Washington devised a plan for the defense of the Colonies. The army was being demobi 1783 and von Steuben was discharged in 1784 and was granted American citizenship by act of the Pennsylvania Legislature.

He was considered somewhat of a hero and was charming to the ladies. Von Steu witty and amusing and dinner invitations came often from the prominent society famil the area. He was also generous, to a fault, and was connected with an organization provided food and shelter for poor Germans. He moved to New York City and took up residence on what is now 57th Street but the next few years he resided at several different locations in the city, mainly due lack of finances. The Baron received a pension from the government in 1790 and this him to move to a plot of land in Oneida country. One other bit of honor was that o naming of a fort in the Northwestern Territories after him.

During the summer of 1786, General Hamtramck and Major North determined that t area north of Mingo Bottom and where Steubenville is now located was the ideal site Construction began on the blockhouse and it was completed in September. Over the ne months the blockhouse was expanded until it measured 150 feet on a side with sleepi for the troops. The fort was named Fort Steuben, in honor of the Prussian officer, a provided a shelter for the settlers until 1790 when it caught fire and was destroyed

On November 28th, 1794, the Baron unexpectedly passed away from a stroke. St body was wrapped in his military cloak and on Saturday, November 29, the General was rest beneath a tree on his estate. Von Steuben never married and it was rumored tha the reasons that he came to America in 1777 was because of a broken romance in Europ

The desecration of Steuben's grave must be mentioned here. During the early 19 it was determined that a new road was to be built across the von Steuben estate. Th laid out the road in such a manner that it would cross over the burial site. During grading, the coffin was uncovered and neighbors opened it to obtain pieces of the Ge

2 of 3 3/4/99 8:06 PM The Baron Von Steuben http://www.rootsweb.com/-ohjefogs/vonsteuben.htm

military cloak. Steuben's friend, Benjamin Walker, had the coffin dug up and reburi back in the woods in a fenced site which is u'ider the perpetual care and protection group..

To fully relate the accomplishments and achievements of General von Steuben would take more space than is available in this publication. te sometimes forget the contributions of these patriots, to the freedom we enjoy today, and this brief article serves as a reminder to those who served...... Charles Green

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Baron Von-Steuben - Revolutionary War General

The Prussian Baron von Steuben, being a newcomer to the Revolutionary cause in America, was in a pos many of the deficiencies in military discipline and their causes. The reasons for his unique insight may h to the fact that he was distanced from the revolutionary ideals in America, and as a result, was able to bet and understand them; and ultimately use them to shape his new and successful form of discipline in the Army.

Most of the commanders of the Continental Army, from the commander in chief to the lower officers ha to the traditional European method that relied on fear to achieve discipline. This method of fear was prob essential, and had little if any effect in the early days of the war because the soldiers were mostly fightin ideologies. To the soldiers, the commanders were of little importance. The soldiers were going to fight t and leave the battle when they felt it necessary. The soldier saw himself as a volunteer, a citizen fighting citizens, and as a result did not respond well to the traditional forms of discipline. The soldier knew it wa necessary for him to serve, and he knew that he would not be looked down upon for not serving or leavi his fellow revolutionaries. He had the freedom to chose how he wished to serve the revolution, and milit was not an obligation. One aspect of the traditional European system that Baron von Steuben felt needed change was the relatio the officers and the soldiers. Officers in the Continental Army felt it was necessary to distance themselve common soldiers, as an officer had an obligation as a gentleman as well. This division was along social 1 separation, the officers felt the common soldiers would show even greater respect.Royster describes this saying that the officers tried Oto make themselves haughty objects of the soldiersO awe.O (215)

Steuben did several things to put the officers and the soldiers on common ground. First, sergeants were n the training and drilling of soldiers. Officers were encouraged to train, drill, and march with their soldier also encouraged to eat with the common soldiers as well, whenever possible. The officers needed to sho soldiers to earn their respect, and in doing this the officers needed to set themselves as an example to the overachieving, rather than distancing themselves and underachieving in the eyes of the soldier. Before Steuben arrived, the forms of drills, training, and discipline in the Continental Army were mainly the discretion of each particular officer. There was no set standard for drills and training, and each battali and regiment had different methods. Baron von Steuben set a standard that became universal in the army soldiers and officers were to follow it. Through constant repetition of these rather simplified drills and tr methods, coupled with the newly evident compassion and caring being shown by the officers, soldiers so show a level of pride and professionalism in doing their duties in the Continental Army. Steuben catered to the needs and ideologies of the men in the Continental Army. He knew that soldiers military service was not a necessity, would often question authority. When given an order many soldiers OWhy?O This was what Steuben realized and built his form of discipline around. If a soldier asked why, a good reason for it, then the soldier would ultimately obey the order. This is why the uniformity and si SteubenOs system was so successful in the Continental Army. SteubenOs method of discipline and training was so successful for one main reason, it was catered to the not to the officer. It had the ultimate result of making the soldier feel like a soldier and not like a volunte established a sense of pride in the soldiers and in the job they did. By the later years of the war, native co and liberty were not enough to encourage soldiers. Steuben method created a professionalism in the Cont which, along with the ideologies of the men, was enough to keep the moral of the soldier high despite th hardships of winter camps like Valley Forge and Morristown.

1 of 1 7/13/99 9:01 AM Althouigh It+.y pmfnrred-ta nght - z tAnder their own 'firgs,the ambi-fg . 2Z , >.stlnder their own flags, e ambi-inlag because of intrgiues against tious sought service with foreign him. 3 -- i:'r ^Chapter =troops when the homeland was at e yearned f th ttlefilld ' peace. Steuben was one of these,May 1777, went to Paris cGrman,0 not only thoroughly and where he renewed his acquaint- scientifically trained from early with Count St. Germaine boyhood but born into the army. Frances minister of war. Four lines of noble descent were .* * * required for eligibility to become IN FRANCE, Steuben heard the an officer. story of the rebellion of the There has been some dispute American colonies against Great Gro wt i both as to the date and place of Britain. Ten years earlier, France Steuben's birth, and whether he had' sent another German. de- was, after all, a native born sub- Kalb, on a secret mission to Am- Stcubenville G e t It 8 ject of the King of Prussia. In erica. He was to learn the atti- Name From Soldier Sparks' series of American biogra- tude of the colonists toward the phies, Steuben is quoted as say- mother country. Should de Kalb Of Fortune ing that had he been a native of find that the Americans were suf- _ Prussia he would never have ficiently dissatisfied with Eng- Steubenville's se dared to petition for his discharge land, France was to prepare to aid DURING t at the close of the Seven Years' the colonists. qui Centennial and Ve war under penalty of being cash- However, de Kalb's report was i crans' Homecoming cclebr It- ered. - _ disappointing to the French. He tion, July 2-6, tribute will I Hencet has------believed-- that the rumored dissat- e Hsomehistorihas b eensuppose brnisation of the colonists was ex- paid Baron Frederick va In Suabia or som thather partbornggeratec Steuben-a..hero In Suabia or. some otper.part of However accurate de Kalb's re- of thl the.empire outside of. Frederick's )ort was in 1765, succeeding Revolutionary war-in whoaiC jurisdiction. Some historians, how- t o canged the picture thateding a n honor ever, after careful, investigation e Kb. himself returned tat this city was named. l The city today stands as a liv into original sources places his C t on the Colonial birth on November 15, 1730 "at his life for the cause in the earl ing memorial to the Prussian drill - Madgeburg, a large Prussian fort- of thstaye wary master who created the regula ir ress on the Elbe." He was the Eager to helpp the Americans' the Amerlcans' army of the United States. an(d: l'_ on0 of Wilhelm a'gand Mary. Eager to hel ry cause, FranceF r a n c e cautiously supplied who also is credited with havinj g Dorothea Von lagow Von Steuben. cautously suppled inspired the U. S. militar3y Thus while not a native of Prus- t : f academy at West Point, N. Y. sia proper, Von Steuben was to all the Americans with guns and of- Ain ot:lcrmecr intents and purposes a subject of ficers. 1786, the flag of Frederick William I, whose father Steuben first heard of the need a nation born 30 years before, had had himself in the American army for some- but a few years declared King of Prussia, and in one to train and organize the un- earlier, vwa s whose army Steuben's father was disciplined soldiers from French raised above a acaptain of engineers. war minister. St. Germaine ar- block house on * * * ranged interviews for Steuben the bank of the BEFORE hisfourteenth birthday, with others in Paris who werein- Ohio riuorf no.'» Frederick had served with his terested in the American cause: the northwest corner of High and 'father as vounteer in the cam- Beaumarchis, the composed; Silas Adams streets. paign of 1744 and fought in the Deane, the American consular While an ungrateful congress re- bloody siege of Prague. He re- agent and Ben Franklin. fused at the time to give Steuben turned to the army of Frederick any reward for his distinguished the Great as a cadet after three told Steuben he had services to this country, a fellow years of study at the Jesuit col- R K told Steuben he had officer who fought with the Prus- leges of Neisse and Breslau. no authority to enter into en- sian nobleman, The Seven Years war saw Steu- gagements and could not advance named in his honor hi m a n y t h i n o r the fort which became the gate- ben advance from the rank' of g f the expense.of .th way to the great Northwest terri- lieutenant to a major in tern- voyage. tory. porary command of a regiment This attitude discouraged Stcu- The outpost In when the conflict closed. ben and he was about to dismiss the great Ohio t h country was erected by a company He became an adjutant of Gen- ile whole affair when St. Ger- of soldiers under command cral von Mayr, under whom he ' maine and others prevailed upon of t o r e c o n s id Captain Hamtramck and Major gained a knowledge of the man- er tle decision. North, the well-known friend agement of light infantry and a Beaumarchis loaned Steuben of t h m o n y f o r Steuben. An inspector in the U. habit of cool and prompt decision e e his outfit and S. army at the time, Major North in the tumult of battle, passage and the drillmaster made remembered Steuben's valuable Taken prisoner by the IRus- rady to depart for America, and unselfish services sians in 1761. Steuben gained the where, it was said. the army used to the col- r b a onists in their struggle for protection of the Grand Duke yonets only for roasting lib- m e a t cub erty and called the outpost Fort Peter, with whom he was able to . St en's party consisted of Steuben. do such favors' fbr his king that French o whofficers were to act * * * upon hisretun Prussia he was his ades These officers in- VON STEUBEN was a produce promoted tMajor L'Enfant,. of the Eighteenth close of the war, the king reward- who designed theplan for the na century U armies in which European officers ed him witfi'a law benefice with onal capital, Washington. were soldiers of fortune following anincome of 400 Thalers. General von Steuben sailed into a lifetime career of active fighting During the next 10 years the, harbor of Portsmouth, New under whatever flag offered the Steuben occupied hmself with t Hampshire, December 1, 1777 opportunity of winning- distinc- duties of grand marshal at the after a voyage marked by a fire; tion and financial rewart . court of Hechingen, finally resign- and a mutiny of the crew. t [ 2 Immediately upon his arrivel lie novation in the American army .Mnt word to Washington from whee o s Steuben's services during ed the Franklin, Deane and Beaumarchis. where fcers sco volutionncluded accompanyng 9 But the commander-in-chlef of cruits as a work of a sergeant. Reed Lb his survey of the fortifl- the continentals, after some delay, Steuben made rapid progress cations of Philadelphia. He.took courteously referred Steuben to with the men. They ~began to feel an important part in the battle of congress. Not long before Steu- a pride In being soldiers. Wash- Monmouth. He served on Wash- ben's arrival Washington had' Ington's. general staff and was writtenwr FranklinFranklin "lhat"that everyevery newnew, ,ienj thelngton men, in thanked general Steuben. orders praisedw those who tried Major I arrival was only a new source of, But there was other real work Andre. Att.e siege of Yorktown, I. cmbarrassment to himself and besides drilling for the German Steuben commanded a division chagrin to the gentlemen who officer. The internal administra-: and was the only American of- came over." tion of a regiment and a com- ficer who had been present at a The volunteers from Europe pany was a thing completely un-i siegebefore'... 1! were never long in making de-. known. The number of men in * * munds...... EF%@Gss~t~xs for nrefermentj,...... os anraetirino,, . ... -. AC T'U.At .*.* -- uiswaiedbonrs. 'i0 . .19,. tmese units was fixed by congress. Ajj a wUL urew to a close dissention within the army. X But there was a constant ebb and Steuben made a journey tc I * 4 nflow. Sometimes a regiment was Canada to ar'dti for taking pos. IMPRESSED with the fame of tie stronger. than a brigade, some- sessio n of edriltary t t pq he ts whic German, congress appointed a times it contained but 30 men and e refor o b e dedp tolthe. S. He special committee to hear his pro- a company consisted of but a corp- aa rmd plandto h attributary posals. Steuben told them that he.oral. academy and to him Is.attributed I asked for neither rank nor pay, Men were scattered about every- t h e original suggestion he that he wished to enter t army whe and eachrmhation ocer claimed of the society of the as a volunteer and perform ne,W many two and three. Thus, Clncnnatci duty which the commander-in- many hundred soldiers were con-, With the end of the war there chief would assign him and that I verted into valets for the officers. jfollowed a period of disappoint- commissioners for his aides and Leaves of absence were given by ment and humiliation for Steuben, the payment of his actual expenses colonels and sometimes by cap- ee ean u e or mer were the only conditions which he tains at will. ,ore leaving Europsferred a should stipulate. He would leave r.qEquipment ip ent disant~c~aroddisapearped as,,=~ uc...... '..ws ransed thet.e questionquestion'of of ultimate compen-conpen-. natural with the constantly chang-. iephew,erman Anmneritance ungratul congress t&. his sation to be decided by the suc- ing personnel. For every cam- inefused to ompensgatef cor his cess or failure of the struggle. paign from five to eight thousand 'Ilng and valuable services.to the th^usand^ .Itg and valuable servces^Sto.thi TheTile committee co m mi acted promptly promptlyt tee mukets~jgne£rTwmerfi^e ere requiredttierieght to replace nation, although Hamilto and after the interview. It submitted those carried off by men whose 'Washington. both urged his the follewins rhenra by Ad! _-s r. cais -.II; rVLJVVI jrV L%:er.s 0o enlistment had expired. claims, -` "Whereas, Baron Steuben, a , -vW; ,.; .,,. -. .- lieutenant general in foreign serv- "Steuben asked lor.power to cor- After eight years, congress i- ice, has ice, in a hasmostm oin s t disin'teresteddisinterested ireOhio river. General Washington's qtriat'et as ton,; hoaWeer, anxious for La- (Thi aother soon as convenient." - a eries f With this authorization, Steu- fayette's detachment, ordered out a-rUcle on the history of 8tes- ben set out for camp. Washington the whole army to support it; and benville). ' net him on the way. A guard of in 15 minutes the w hol army. was 5 men with an officer at their under arms and ready to maIrch., iead had been stationed at Steu- Not long after at Monmoqth, at I en's quarters the sound of.' Steuben's'. vocei Lee's b'oken .ranks allied *'mnd I When the German drillmaster wheeled Into line- und-er a havy would have "declined this honor, firesas calmly ^ euly as if with the protest that he was but a the -battleri€^. ade volunteer, Washington said, "The ground. "'' ' . whole army would gladly stand Steuben ' fiormulated tt sentinel for such volunteers." drilling ' regulations and a *I * * volume. known in the army as A PLAN for inspectorship was Steuben's Regulations, he modi- Steuben's first step. It was ap- fled and adapted the Prussian sys-; proved by Washington and con- tem to the needs of the American' gress. The next move was to draft army. The book was approved by' 120 men from the line to serve as Washington and accepted by con- a guard for Washington'and a gross in 1779. military school for himself. Steu- ----' ben personally trained the men. Although he knew his taIs to He would take a musket from a be essential, Steuben preferred ac- man's shoulder and show him how tive command and more than once to use it. These tactics were an In- threatened toresign unless he.was X-~--_ ------1 ~transferred to active service. ~BARON STEUBEFN HISTORIC SITE http://www.borg. com/-samsizer/historic.html Baron Friedrich Wilhelm Von Steuben Historic Site

About 20 miles north of Utica, New York, in the beautiful foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, an Historic Site was developed and is maintained by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites. This site is the burial place of Baron Friedrich Wilhelm Von Steuben who died in 1794 in his log cabin which over looked much of the sixteen thousand acre tract given to him by New York State for his efforts in the Revolutionary War. He is buried near his cabin originally in an unmarked grave in accordance with his wishes. In 1875, however, the Steuben Society of America and New York State erected a monument to mark the Baron's final resting place.

In the early 1930's New York State purchased land surrounding the monument and developed the historic site erecting a replica of the Baron's log cabin and providing picnic tables and brasiers for visitors to the site. Programs are developed and scheduled by the Friends of Baron Steuben and are held at the site from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend and include:

Memorial Services Encampments

Wool Day

1 of 2 7/13/99 8:48 AM BAROrN STEUBEN HISTORIC SITE http://www.borg.com/-samsizer/historic.html

Coopering Workshops

And much more!!

The view from the site is spectacular, and the Park is serenely beautiful. Strolling through the Sacred Grove in which the Monument is located, the visitor cannot help but reflect on the Baron and his contribution to his adopted country - The United States of America.

The Historic Site is open to all, is handicap accessible and has Docents on duty from 10 AM to 5 PM, wednesdays, thursdays and fridays and from 1-5 PM on saturdays and sundays. There is no charge for admission but donations are accepted to maintain the seasonal programs.

More information can be obtained by

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At BARON 'VON STEUBEN BICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF SERVICE By ALAN A1MIONE, USMA Library Special Collections

West Point is considered by many people He also made a profound impression upon exhausted his oaths, he would turn to an the premier leader development institu- the officers and men of the Continental aide and say, "Come and swear for me in tion in the world. It is not hard to compare Army. Washington was so favorably im- English!" The outbursts were rather com- many of the leadership qualities of the pressed by his practical knowledge and ex- ical and they amused the men, who burst \West Point program with what Baron von perience that he prevailed upon him to into laughlter. Steuben initiated as the "First Teacher" serve as Acting Inspector General and to As usual some soldiers could not master of the American military development. undertake the training of the army. the new lessons as quickly as the rest and During the course of his life Steuben The Baron was up early in the morning thus were formed into separate squads of- went by as many as seven German first of March 19, 1778, and while his German awkward troops for learning the new ma- names, but in America he was known as soldier servant, Carl Vogel, was dressing neuvers. New recruits were placed into Frederick William Augustus Steuben (17 his pigtail, he smoked a pipe and drank a these squads and had to earn their way out September 1730-28 November 1794). He cup of coffee. He mounted his horse and by competence in the mastery of the new was a legend in his own time and after. rode to the parade ground. Training of the ways. Starting at the age of sixteen, Steuben Commander in Chiefs guard began with After the model guard company was attained no higher rank than an infantry ready, he extended his system to battalions, captain. However, he served at the Royal then brigades, and in three weeks was able Headquarters as a general staff officer and to maneuver an entire division for Wash- as one of the aides-de-camp to Frederick ington. His inspectors were his agents. The the Great. In 1763 Steuben was one of only results of the training were impressive and fifteen officers selected to be taught the art it did not take long to persuade Washing- of war under the personal supervision of ton that Steuben knew what he was doing. Frederick, but soon after the Seven Years' Three days after the new drilling began, War, probably because he was not of the Washington issued orders to the Army nobility, he was retired from the Army. paving the way for Steuben's promotion on The significance of Steuben's general staff March 28 to Inspector General by direct- training and service has not been suffici- ing unit commanders to stop all drills un- ently appreciated. During the next twelve der systems then in use and begin prepara- years the Baron. served as an official to tions to use Steuben's methods. A few days the household of a minor German prince's later, he directed them to begin practicing court. under Steuben's supervision. At that time In 1777 Steuben went to Paris to seek Washington also appointed four lieutenant employment. By gaining the support of the colonels to act as subinspectors, while the French War Minister and persuading the next day he appointed brigade inspectors American representatives led by Benjamin for all brigades. By May 5, Steuben's duties Franklin, he secured a volunteer position were expanded to being responsible for in the Continental Army. Franklin saw in training of all American troops. von Steuben the hope of creating a more Baron von Steuben painting by Ralph No less an improvisation was the way the professional fighting force to take the field Earl. Courtesy National Archives regulations were first distributed. A unique against King George III's experienced solution was reached to assure rapid repro- troops. With his training and experience he Steuben in charge. Steuben himselftrained duction. There were no printing presses brought to Washington's staff a technical one squad first, then set his subinspectors, at Valley Forge, while circumstances de- training that was unknown in either the whom Washington had been appointing manded the fastest possible dissemination French or the British armies. for several days, to drill other squads, of the regulations. One chapter was pre- Washington, in a letter to the committee while lhegalloped about camp supervising. pared at a time. To distribute the drill of the Continental Congress on 28 January Steuben shocked American officers by per- regulations, brigade inspectors wrote out 1778, said that his original concept of an sonally teaching the men the manual of copies for themselves, then entered copies Inspector General with assistants down to arms and drill, but his success helped to in the orderly books of the brigades and brigade level was still firm. It would re- convince them. He disapproved of the each regiment. From regimental orderly quire a combination of competence and British-inspired distance beween the sol- books copies were made for each company, good humor to grapple with the problems diers and American officers. who had been from which each officer and drillmaster facing the Continental Army, which was content to leave instructions to sergeants. made his own copy. It required two to three at a low ebb in February 1778. Steuben not only offered a good example, days for each chapter to be distributed. .^; There was no meat, the horses were dy- but specifically instructed officers in how to Steuben and his staff spent the winter of ing, and the bare country surrounding the train their men. 1778-1779 in Philadelphia preparing the camp was a poor location. Things were The Baron succeeded, not because he manuscript of his now famous Regulations even worse than they looked. To begin had an exceptionally intelligent military or "Blue Book." It became the military with, there was no uniform organization mind, but because he was a diligent organ- bible of the Continental Army for drill and of the army. "I have seen a regiment con- izer who was willing to adapt the principles field service regulations. The manual con- sisting of thirty men, and company of one of professional warfare to the needs of tained the essentials of military instruction corporal!" said Steuben, "nothing was so the American soldiers. Steuben decided to and procedure adapted to the needs of difficult, and often so impossible as to get start small. He taught a greatly simplified the American citizen soldier. Writing from a correct list of the state or return of any manual of arms because there was no time memory, he salvaged whatever seemed company, regiment, or corps." Many of the to follow elaborate European practices. He essential from the Prussian regulations that troops were scattered on various fatigue had about two months to train a partially could be adapted to a system based upon details, while several thousand more were experienced Continental Army before the British organization, and in a situation being used as, officers' servants. This man- campaign season would commence. The where soldiers were motivated by devotion power had to be restored to the tactical Baron learned English as quickly as pos- to the cause and their leader. units to gairi the full benefit of training. sible. During the drills he sometimes lost No important book has ever been pro- Steuben's proposal to stake his fortune his temper and then he would swear in duced under greater difficulties. The Baron upon the success of the cause made a deep German and French. At first he only knew first wrote each passage in German which impression upon the Continental Congress. one English s\\car \ord. When he had Continued on page 10 -BARON VON STEUBEN (Coni'd) accounts for the large number of printings regulations. But it was not presented as in 1794. The "Bliqe Book,' continued to be an activity ofdesignated inslectors, rather Titranslated into inelegant French. Pierre used as the official-drill' manual of the as a function ofcommand. The regulations Etienne Duponceau, his secretary, trans- United States' militia until it was sup- made inspection a routine duty of com- lated the text into literary French, but planted in the Militia Act of 1820. pany commanders. At "troop beating," he was no military man. Another aide, By then, its reputation was firmly estab- company officers were to "inspect into the Captain Francois Louis de Fleury rewrote lished with the public, and it was the most dress of their men," to "see that the clothes the text into workable French. Captain famous of all American military manuals are whole and put on properly, their hair Benjamin Walker translated the French and one of the most important documents combed, their accouterments properly into English. Washington's aides, John in the history of our country. fixed and every article about them in the Laurens and Alexander Hamilton, then Many have paid tribute to the memory greatest order." Steuben founded the edited the instructions into a military style, of Steuben and to his distinctive contribu- army's long tradition of the Saturday and Steuben memorized the text as well as tions to the cause of American independ- morning inspection, when captains were his broken English allowed. ence, but of all testimonials the general to "examine into the state of the men's The manual was illustrated by 38 plates probably would have most preferred the necessaries." showing the positions of the soldier. Steu- 1792 "Creed adopted by the Officers of Steuben's signal accomplishment was to ben had explicit drawings of the manual the American Army at Verplanck's Point," train the Continental Army as regular in- of arms and basic troop movements pre- affirming: fantry of the line capable of standing up to pared by Captain Pierre Charles L'Enfant, "We believe that George Washington the British in the field. He perceived that a military engineer and architect, who is the only fit man in the world to head the American units had difficulty in going later gained fame as the city planner of the American Army ... that Nathaniel from column of march into line of battle. Washington, D.C. Greene was born a general ... [and] that The source of the problem was the cus- Despite the printing business shortages Baron Steuben has made us soldiers, and tomary marching formation of a column of paper, ink, and other materials in Phila- that he is capable of forming the whole of files ("Indian file"), stringing the force delphia, binding proved to be the major world into solid columns, and deploying it out impossibly. That was one reason why obstacle as production dragged through from the center. We believe in his Blue many units had arrived late at the battles the summer and into the fall of 1779. Book. We believe in General Knox and his of Brandywine and Germantown. Steuben At last the binders adopted substitutes artillery. And we believe in our bayonets. moved quickly to correct that bad habit, in order to get the job done. The actual Amen!" training battalions to occupy no more printing of the manual was given to a Rules were applied to military inspec- road space than they would require room thrifty Scotsman, named James Aitken. tion, which was made a subject of the Continued on page 11 Aitken came up with the idea of using surplus Pennsylvania Magazine paper. Three reams of the unused newspaper were FADING AWAY (Cont'd) used as end and frontice pages for the manuals. Aitken's records show that 2,969 with the incentives of the new All-Volun- long job, and it was the early eighties copies were actually printed by November teer Army, and it became an employer of before we were in the third and last army 1779. Among the substitutions was blue last resort. In desperation, the army de- I participated in outside of West Point. paper for half-covers, instead offull leather. cided it wanted to join the discipline-less That was the army that fought in Desert That substitution gave Steuben's regula- youth of the acid era, so it lowered its Storm. It w'as a ready army, physically fit, tions the name they would bear thereafter standards to theirs. It had already lowered spirited, and capable. Soldiers and officers - Steuben's "Blue Book." Few of the commissioning standards, and the officers had standards that they had to meet - original copies printed at Philadelphia in were sometimes hard to dis .guish from physical, intellectual, and performance - 1779 are extant. Relatively few copies of the soldiers. Officers as poorly ualified and they had the time and resources to the subsequent printings are available to wear epaulets as Lieutenant Cley of train to meet them. Equipment was gener- either. My Lai notoriety were not uncommon. I ally present at the unit, a • field training It immediately became canon for all the remember one memorable line I compo'd was tough and realisti Morale was good, military from Washington down and was for an OER: "Lieutenant X's commission- and there were no soiers who didn't want adopted by. Congress in March 1779 as ing was a mistake that should not be ex-\ to be in the army- many wanted to be official for the officers and men in the acerbated by further active duty." other places an where they were, but sen-ice of the United States. It was com- Haircut standards eroded with the gen- hat's anotrer story. My field artillery posed specifically for the Continental era! breakdown in discipline, and, except bttalio n Kcrea in 1980 :.-as a cohesive, Army and was not a reprint of a European for beards, seen only in the navy, the army drlg-.le unit that trained hard and was treatise. The manual differed from its pred- became almost as hirsute as it had been in rea/ to go to war at a moment's notice. ecessors by being written for the wartime the Civil War. Sodies had to perform to get to stay in use of a national army and not solely for Underground newspapers were every- /that art y, and the bond between soldiers employment by militia units. This hand- where - for an entertaining afternoon, go/ and theileaders was firm and effective. book had twenty-five chapters, which over sometime and look at our collectio That artiy did well when it was tested, covered elementary tactics and army ad- of them on microfilm in the Moore \tng and some ofisu were in places where it was ministration. The earlier manuals of arms of the Cadet Library. Then imaginbeing tested - Grenxa, Panama. the Gulf, and were full of movements which were not a junior officer in that army andrying to others - you hav amassed your own war absolutely essential; excessive motions impose discipline on an institu j6n divided stories, and maybeSmeday someone will were eliminated. Steuben replaced the by mistrust and hatred. We st many fine flatter you as you hae me by listening to three ranks of men with the easier and young officers who became disillusioned them. more efficient two ranks of men. Instructors with the army they had joined and wanted Now the army is becoming still another were requested to refrain from castigating no more of it. One of my cousins, who had institution. What it will be, the crystal ball, the soldiers with verbal abuse [something aspired to be an army officer since child- always clquded, can never tell us until we Steuben preached but did not always hood, left as soon as his obligation was up; get there. One would hazard a guess that follow], and were reminded to exercise his mother told me that he had joined the it will be smaller, more selective in its patience and moderation during training. army to lead soldiers, not to teach them to personnel - now both men and women - The official sanction which had been read. and more technologically complex and given by the Continental Congress led to a Reflecting on this army is depressing and computer-driven. However it emerges, it uniformity of use which had never before I will abandon it with the admonition that will still be the army, still served by West been achieved by an American martial it was worse than you can imagine if you Point, and still served by the Cadet Li- handbook. After the passage of the Militia were not a part of it at the troop level. brary, and supported by the Friends of the Acts in the early 1790s, virtually all states Climbing out of the pit that the army Library. adopted Steuben's Regulations, which found itself in in the seventies was a decade- ·-· - I-------"--`-.-------`------ --.---..-.-. -

IBARON VON STEUBEN (c.(od,) ill pl)ollarily hlu'oligholll ihearmy andl and( willingness to (Ievot' l hisline to (he gi:tw Itire and nmore il Wasltngton's training of thlose less CexpericitlC( (i )ilo- in battle, At hi'intt ig:ti.an, Wniatligtt ct;tlclciecc. lie was culhulted upon all mized tle standards expected ol those wlho outlawed the column of files. Thereafter, in questions of strategic and administrative followed him. The relationship he eventu- all situations all sizes of units were to march policy and performed all of the essential ally developed with the commander in exactly as they were taught on the drill functions of a modern general staff officer. chief remains the pattern for modern mili- field. The result was an army that marched During the winter of 1779-1780 he was tary inspectors. faster and deployed faster for battle. Washington's representative with the Steuben was ofmiddle height but superb Steuben wanted the Army to fight as Continental Congress in the efforts to re- military bearing when he would don his well as to march, and that required weap- organize the army. most resplendent uniform. He had a fine ons instruction. He prepared and taught a The last years of the War, Steuben soldierly bearing and his manners were simplified manual of arms, with many- served as Washington's trusted adviser in graceful and courtly. His picturesque per- fewer movements than those of European all military affairs. In the spring of 1783 he sonality made a strong impression upon his, armies, and emphasized the use of the bay- assisted Washington in the preparation of contemporaries, and the anecdotal history onet, the essential infantry assault weapon a plan for the future defense of the United of the Revolution presents him as one of the of the day. The bayonets supplemented or States, and in the arrangements for de- most conspicuous figures in the esteem and replaced the unreliable flintlock muskets. mobilizing the Continental Army. At the affections of the rank and file of the Conti- Previously lacking the discipline essential same time he took a leading part in form- nental Army. Through his influence in to bayonet charges, American soldiers had ing the Society of the Cincinnati, which converting the American army into an shied away from the weapons. Steuben helped to keep alive the ideals of the effective and highly disciplined military himself observed that their chief utility American Revolution. When Washington force, he was an indispensable figure in the in the Continental Army was as spits for relinquished command of the army, De- achievement of American Independence. roast meat. He turned the Americans into cember 23, 1783, he deliberately made it Here he performed an essential service that confident bayonet fighters, something his last official act to write a letter to the none of his contemporaries in America was they demonstrated within a few weeks at Baron commending his invaluable services qualified to perform. Monmouth. to the United States throughout the war. A United States Military Academy Washington also commissioned von Steuben continued to write on military plaque, sponsored by the National Council Steuben with the formation of an elite affairs, and in his recommendations for a of the Steuben Society in America and corps (light infantry) which was to be Swiss militia system to supplement the located where a majority of cadets and comprised of hand-picked soldiers. Because small Regular Army, for the harbor de- instructors pass daily, honors Baron von of its rapid mobility, the corps could be fenses of New York City, and the estab- Steuben: deployed whenever the fighting flared up lishment of a military academy, Steuben "As Washington's principal advisor he and, likewise, operate loosely, using fa- continued to contribute to the military gave military training and discipline to the miliar Indian tactics. This unit - like the needs of the young Republic. His proposals citizen soldiers who achieved the Inde- entire army - also received its first instruc- for national defense, although not adopted pendence of the United States. His service tion on the use of the bayonet. The light by Congress in his lifetime, foreshadowed was indispensable to the achievement of infantry particularly demonstrated their the system eventually adopted in 1920. American Independence." effectiveness at Stony Point and at York- Long familiar to schoolchildren as the town. Prussian who drilled the Continental Army Steuben's duties as Inspector General at Valley Forge, his memory has served as also included his development of a system the principal inspiration for the Inspector EDITORS NOTE: Until recently, the of property accountability that went far to General's Department of the United States Steuben Society sponsored an award to the check the waste of public property which Army, its successor, and other organiza- cadet with the highest grade in one of the had formerly prevailed in the American tions patterned after it. His genuine con- foreign languages taught here at USMA, army. During the war he grew steadily cern for individuals, personal integrity, and not necessarily German. Von Steuben Statue Given As Reminder of Friendship By LARRY THORSON down Prussian buildings and monuments. Associated Press Writer The new statue, financed by German and U.S. POTSDAM, Germany - After 49 years, a bronze businesses, was dedicated on the 200th anniversary of statue of Gen. Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben was von Steuben's death in Oneida County, New York. back in Potsdam on Monday, a symbol of the friend- About 500 people watched a ceremony accompanied ship between the United States and the homeland of by music from a U.S. Army band and a local drum- the Revolutionary War hero. and-bugle corps. U.S. Ambassador, Charles E. Redman and Local officials were not certain what had happened Brandenburg state Gov. Manfred Stolpe unveiled the to the original but all suspicion points to the Soviet 20-foot-tall copy of the von Steuben statue that stands army. in Lafayette Park opposite the White House in "'VonSteuben was a Prussian general who helped Washington. the Americans," said Manfred Wermuth, director of Von Steuben was a Prussian army officer when he art castings at the Lauchhammer foundry, which pro- went to the United States in 1777 and offered his ser- duced the new statue. "That wouldn't do." vices to George Washington. He instilled discipline in After World War II, the United States and its allies the demoralized American army encamped in Valley stamped out vestiges of Prussia, whose militarism Forge, and is credited with helping to defeat the they regarded as part of the world view that led to British. The Ohio city of Steubenville was named Nazism. Border changes put much of the original after him. Prussian heartland in Poland and Russia. The U.S. Congress gave imperial Germany a statue Von Steuben is a symbol of German-American of von Steuben in 1911. It stood in Potsdam, the pride. "Steuben Day" parades are held in the United Prussian summer capital outside Berlin, until it disap- States to celebrate the more ne.rerl in 1045 than 7 million Germans while Soviet troons were nulling who immigrated. ., _ a c H oMM4 LU to FUuOt= :3 0(4V)C

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4- (J ,>< ~ , Q-O' u. o4- . 112 The Era of the American Revolution ( 1777)

Correspondence had been reconstituted attack on Philadelphia (by sea accord- by Congress as the Committee for For- ing to Howe's plan of 2 Apr.), hoping eign Affairs (17 Apr.). Howe could be finished in time to help 14 JUNE. STARS AND STRIPES. Burgoyne. Congress resolved that the flag of the 23 JULY-26 SEPT. HOWE'S CAM- U.S. be "thirteen stripes alternate red PAIGN AGAINST PHILADELPHIA. and white, that the Union be thirteen On 23 July Howe embarked from New stars white in a blue field. .. " York with 15,000 troops, sailed up Ches- RECRUITING FOREIGN OFFI- apeake Bay, and landed at Head of Elk CERS. Congress had authorized Silas on 25 Aug. Washington, with about 10,- Deane to secure several European mili- 500 men, took up a defensive position tary experts for service in America, and barring the way to Philadelphia on the by Mar. was swamped by applicants ap- eastern side of Brandywine Creek. Howe pearing in Philadelphia to claim com- attacked on 11 Sept., using a carefully missions. On 13 Mar. Congress ordered planned flanking movement. The Ger- that its agents send in the future only mans under Gen. William von Knyp- persons with the highest qualifications, hausen attacked the American center at including a knowledge of English. On Chad's Ford; Cornwallis routed Sullivan 27 July two of the most famous foreign on the American right. Greene managed officers of the Revolution reached Phila- to turn the flight into an orderly if hard- delphia, 20-year-old Marquis de Lafay- pressed retreat, but the whole American ette (1757-1834) and veteran "Baron" army was forced back toward Philadel- Johann de Kalb (1721-80). Lafayette, phia. Casualties: American, c.1,000; who volunteered to serve without pay, British, 576. The British scored again was commissioned major general (31 (21 Sept.), when a bayonet attack in July), as was De Kalb (15 Sept.). Fore- the early hours of the morning routed a most among the other foreign officers force under Gen. Anthony Wayne were Thaddeus Kosciusko (1746-1817), (1745-96) at Paoli. On 26 Sept. Howe commissioned colonel of engineers (18 occupied Philadelphia. Congress fled (19 Oct. 1776), and Baron Friedrich Wil- Sept.) to Lancaster and then to York helm von Steuben (1730-94), appointed (30 Sept.). inspector general 5 May 1778. 4 OCT. BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN. BRITISH PLAN KNOCKOUT BLOW. On the night of 3 Oct. Washington be- On 28 Feb. Gen. John Burgoyne, back gan an intricate movement toward in England, submitted to Lord George Howe's main encampment at German- Germain, Secretary of State for the Col- town. The battle began before dawn on onies, his plan for a 3-pronged attack to the 4th with the Americans winning im- isolate New England: (1) a main army portant initial successes. But the coordi- of not less than 8,000 regulars to push nated attack which Washington had southward down Lake Champlain and planned did not materialize. Detach- the upper Hudson; (2) an auxiliary ments became lost in a heavy fog and force to operate from Oswego through at one point American troops fired on the Mohawk Valley; (3) a strong force each other. A retreat by several brigades under Howe to move up the Hudson. forced the American detachments which Germain approved the plan; Burgoyne had penetrated into the streets of Ger- was given command of the main army mantown to fall back. Again Greene to move from Canada; but Germain also distinguished himself in directing a stub- approved (3 Mar.) Howe's plan for an born retreat. Washington suffered almost

Sc o c IJ '< P c s. R' X> I f5 ( Steuben the German Reformed Church of Magdeburg. Later in life he changed it to Friedrich Wilhelm August Heinrich Ferdinand; and in America he was known as Frederick William Augustus von (or de) Steuben. His parents were Wilhelm Augustin von Steuben and Maria Dorothea von Jagow. His grandfather, Augustin Steube, a minister of the German Reformed Church, in- serted the "von" in the family name about I708. He was born in the fortress of Magdeburg, where his father was stationed as a lieutenant of engi- neers in the army of King Frederick William I of Prussia. He spent his early childhood in Rus- sia, where his father served for several years in the army of the Czarina Anne. In his tenth year he returned to Germany with his father and re- ceived his education in the Jesuit schools in Breslau. In his seventeenth year Steuben entered the officer corps of the Prussian army and served therein with credit throughout the Seven Years' War, first as a regimental officer of infantry and then as a staff officer. In 1761, after active serv- ice on the staffs of Generals von Mayer and von Hiilsen he became a general staff officer and soon thereafter was promoted to the grade of captain. In January and February I762, while serving at Konigsberg, he received two personal letters from the King, Frederick the Great, thanking him for transmitting news of the death of the Czarina Elizabeth. These letters, an unusual compliment to a junior officer, are in the Prus- sian Archives. A few weeks later, Steuben went to St: Petersburg with Count von der Goltz, the new Prussian ambassador, and was engaged on confidential duties in connection with the peace negotiations between Prussia and Russia. Upon his return from St. Petersburg, in May 1762, and until the end of the war, he served at the Royal Headquarters as a general staff officer and as one of the aides-de-camp to the King. The signifi- cance of Steuben's general staff training and service has not been sufficiently appreciated. This is partly because the German word "Quar- tiermeister," signifying a general staff officer with troops, has been erroneously translated into English as "quartermaster." That Frederick the Great should select Steuben for general staff duty at the Royal Headquarters in time of war is the highest tribute to his professional stand- ing. It was this specific training for and experi- STEUBEN, FRIEDRICH WILHELM ence in the duties of the general staff, an agency LUDOLF GERHARD AUGUSTIN, Baron then litttle known outside of Prussia, that so pe- von (Sept. 17, 1730-Nov. 28, 794), profes- culiarly equipped Steuben for his invaluable sional soldier, military expert, inspector general services to the cause of American independence. of the Continental Army, was given this name at He brought to Washington's staff a technical his christening, seven days after his birth, in training and equipment that was unknown in 60o

c'Or&v.Pi of& eio rtc IeICo Steuben Steuben either the French or the British armies at that poration, Hortalez & Company, which he had time. formed with the connivance of the French Steuben was still a captain when he was dis- government. Beaumarchais, Franklin, and Silas charged from the Prussian army shortly after Deane recognized Steuben's merits and the im- the Peace of Hubertusburg in the spring of portance of securing his services, but at first the 1763. The circumstances attending his discharge negotiations failed because the American com- at the early age of thirty-three, and so soon after missioners were not empowered to assure him gaining the royal favor, are obscure. His retire- adequate rank and pay or to make any contract ment left him without employment. In 1764, af- with him in behalf of the Continental Congress. ter unsuccessful negotiations to enter the Sar- Later, however, it was decided that Hortalez & dinian army, he was appointed chamberlain Company should advance the expenses of the (Hofmzarschall) at the Court of Hohenzollern- journey and that the Baron should go purely as Hechingen upon the recommendation of Prince a distinguished volunteer and trust to fortune for Henry of Prussia and his niece, the Princess a suitable opening for his recognized talents after Sophie Dorothea Fredericka of Wiirttemberg. his arrival in America. As his actual military While at Hechingen he attained the rank of rank of captain did not carry sufficient prestige baron (Freiherr) and became a knight of the to assure the success of this role, it was decided Margrave of Baden's Order of Fidelity. In I77I that he should assume the glamor of high rank. the Prince of Hohenzollern-Hechingen, on ac- He was accordingly given letters from Frank- count of financial embarrassment, decided to lin, Deane, and Beaumarchais to Washington, close his court and to reside abroad, incognito. Henry Laurens, Robert Morris, and others in Steuben was the only member of the court to ac- which he was introduced as a lieutenant-general. company his patron and resided with him in Indeed, in his letter to Washington, Franklin France, principally at Montpellier. But the presented him as "a Lieutenant General in the financial objects of the journey were not accom- King of Prussia's service" (Sept. 4, I777, Kapp, plished and in 1775 the Prince returned to He- post, p. 652). There could be no higher military chingen more embarrassed than ever. Steuben, prestige in the last quarter of the eighteenth cen- who was always improvident, now found himself tury, and without this prestige Steuben could seriously in debt and sought employment else- not have succeeded in his American mission. where. Early in /776 he entered into an unsuc- The new "lieutenant-general," accompanied cessful negotiation to form a German regiment by a military secretary and an aide-de-camp, for the French army. Later he failed in an effort sailed from Marseilles on Sept. 26 and arrived at to enter the Austrian army and in April 1777 he Portsmouth, N. H., on Dec. I, I777. After a so- visited Karlsruhe where he was again disap- journ of several weeks at Boston, where he was pointed in an effort to enter the service of the entertained as became his distinguished rank, he Margrave of Baden. But while in Baden the made the overland journey to York, Pa, the Baron met a friend and correspondent of Ben- temporary seat of government, where he arrived jamin Franklin who drew his attention to the on Feb. 5, 1778. He was received with high hon- American war as a field for his talents (Ebeling, ors by the Continental Congress. When a spe- post, p. 154). Accordingly, early in the summer cial committee waited upon him to ascertain his of 1777, he set out for Paris with letters to aims, he waived all claim to rank or pay and Franklin and others. asked only that his expenses should be paid while Fortunately for Steuben, his high professional acting as a volunteer with the army. He pro- reputation as a trained Prussian staff officer had posed that if his services should contribute to long been known to Count de St. Germain, the the eventual success of the American cause, he French minister of war. Just at that time St. would then expect compensation for his sacri- Germain was making an unsuccessful effort to fices in leaving Europe and such reward as Con- reform the French army by the introduction of gress might be pleased to grant him, but that if Prussian methods of military efficiency and dis- the cause should fail, or if his services should cipline. He recognized in Steuben an accom- not prove beneficial, he would make no claim plished graduate from the school of Frederick whatever. This proposal to stake his fortunes the Great who was peculiarly qualified to give upon the success of the cause made a deep im- the American authorities much needed advice on pression upon the Congress. His services were military training, organization, and administra- accepted and he was directed to report to Wash- tion. He therefore commended Steuben to Beau- ington at Valley Forge where he arrived on marchais, who was giving secret aid to the Feb. 23. American colonies through the commercial cor- Steuben made a profound impression upon 602 Steuben Steuben the officers and men of the Continental Army. but inelegant French. One of his staff officers His professional reputation, so well advertised then transposed it into literary French. Another by his exalted rank, was supported by his mar- translated it literally into English and a third tial bearing, his adaptability, and his picturesque then transposed it into correct and simple Eng- personality. Washington was so favorably im- lish. During most of 1779 and 1780 Steuben was pressed by his practical knowledge and experi- busy with his duties as inspector general, per- ence that he prevailed upon him to serve as act- fecting the training and discipline of the army ing inspector general and to undertake the train- and developing his system of property account- ing of the army. This involved serious difficul- ability that went far to check the waste of public ties as the Baron spoke no English and was re- property which had formerly prevailed in the quired to act through interpreters. There was American army. During this period he grew no time for the preparation and publication of a steadily in popularity throughout the army and complete new drill manual. Steuben therefore grew more and more in Washington's confidence. prepared his drill instructions in brief install- He was consulted upon all questions of strategic ments. These were translated into English and and administrative policy and performed all of issued to the regiments from time to time as the essential functions of a modern general staff. the drills progressed. Fortunately, he had the During the winter of I779-80 he was Washing- tact to rely upon the power of example. He ton's representative with the Continental Con- formed a model company of oo00 selected men and gress in the efforts to reorganize the army. undertook its drill in person. The rapid progress In the autumn of I780, when Greene was sent of this company under his skilled instruction to the Carolinas to replace Gates after the disas- made an immediate appeal to the imagination of trous defeat at Camden, Washington sent Steu- the whole army. Drill became the fashion and ben with the new commander to assist in reor- within a few weeks the new gospel, imparted ganizing the southern army. Upon their arrival day by day to the model company, had spread at Richmond, Greene realized that most of his throughout the army. This is perhaps the most replacements and supplies must come from Vir- remarkable achievement in rapid military train- ginia. He therefore left Steuben in command ing in the history of the world. The Baron's suc- in that state. Steuben immediately took com- cess was so speedy that on April 30 Washington prehensive measures to make Virginia a base of recommended his appointment as inspector gen- supply for Greene's army. But his efforts were eral with the rank of major-general. On May 5 thwarted to a large extent by the invading forces the appointment was confirmed by the Conti- under Benedict Arnold and Phillips which were nental Congress. The value of Steuben's in- effectively supported by British ships in James struction was soon manifested on the battlefield River. With his limited forces of ill-armed mili- of Monmouth. There and thereafter throughout tia, Steuben could offer but limited resistance to the war the Continental Army proved itself, bat- the invaders. Many of his stores were captured talion for battalion, the equal in discipline and and many more were dispersed and wasted by skill of the best British regulars. Immediately the successive drafts of ill-disciplined short-serv- before the battle Steuben served Washington as ice militia. Greene, however, appreciated Steu- a general staff officer. He reconnoitered the en- ben's difficulties and gratefully acknowledged emy's position riear Allentown and was first to that his support from Virginia, limited as it was, report that his objective was Monmouth Court- had been indispensable to the success of his cam- house. After the disastrous retreat of Charles paign in the Carolinas. In April I78I Lafayette Lee, in the ensuing battle, Steuben reformed took command in Virginia and Steuben served Lee's disordered troops and led them back to under his orders during Cornwallis' invasion. the battlefield. When Washington's army was assembled before During the winter of I778-79, Steuben pre- Yorktown, Steuben was assigned to the com- pared his Regulations for the Order and Disci- mand of one of the three divisions and served in pline of the Troops of the United States. This that capacity until after the surrender. He also manual of drill and field service regulations con- contributed materially to the success of the final tained the essentials of military instruction and campaign by virtue of the extensive experience procedure adapted to the needs of the American in siege warfare which he had acquired during citizen soldier. It was popularly known as the the Seven Years' War. "blue book" and became the military bible of the In the interval between the surrender of Corn- Continental Army. No important book has ever wallis and the final conclusion of peace Steuben been produced under greater difficulties. The continued his duties as inspector general and as Baron first wrote each passage in his practical Washington's trusted adviser in all military af- 603 Steuben Stevens fairs. In the spring of I783 he assisted Wash- the equestrian figure of him in John Trunl- ington in the preparation of a plan for the future bull's "The Surrender of Cornwallis," in the na- defense of the United States and in the arrange- tional capitol. He was of middle height. He had ments for demobilizing the Continental Army. a fine soldierly bearing and his manners were This was published as A Letter on the Subject graceful and courtly. His picturesque person- of an Established Militia (I784). At the same ality made a strong impression upon his contem- time he took a leading part in forming the So- poraries and the anecdotal history of the Revo- ciety of the Cincinnati. In August, Washington lution presents him as one of the most conspicu- sent him to Canada to receive the frontier posts ous figures in the esteem and affections of the from the British, but his mission was unsuccess- rank and file of the Continental Army. Through ful as the British commander, General Haldi- his influence in converting the American army mand, had not been authorized to treat with him. into an effective and highly disciplined military When Washington relinquished command of the force he was an indispensable figure in the army, Dec. 23, 1783, he deliberately made it his achievement of American independence. Here last official act to write a letter to the Baron com- he performed an essential service that none of mending his invaluable services to the United his contemporaries in America was qualified to States throughout the war (Jared Sparks, The perform. Writings of George HWashington, VIII, I833, pp. [The generally accepted history of Steuben's early 503-04; W. C. Ford, The Writings of George life in Europe is taken from Friedrich Kapp, Lcbcn I des Amcrikanischen Generals Friedrich Wilhelm Steu- Washington, X, I89 , p. 338). Steuben was hon- ben (Berlin, i858), translated as The Life of Frederick orably discharged from the army Mar. 24, I784. William von Steuben (N. Y., 1859), and is largely apoc- ryphal. Kapp did not have access to the documents in He became an American citizen, by act of the the Prussian Archives relating to Steuben's service in Pennsylvania legislature in March I783 and by the Prussian army or to those in the Archives in He- chingen and Karlsruhe relating to his subsequent life act of the New York legislature in July 1786. in Hohenzollern-Hechingen, the south of France, and After Steuben's retirement from the army he Baden, and was therefore unable to check the official made his residence in New York and became one records against certain questionable documents which he found in the "Steuben Papers" in the library of the of the most popular figures in the social life of N. Y. Hist. Soc. The contemporary German evidence the city and state. He was the president of the is given by C. D. Ebeling in the "Nachrichten von den Lebensumstanden des Baron von Steuben," in the German Society and of the New York branch of Amerikanischcs Magazin (Hamburg, 1796), Vol. I, the Cincinnati. In 1787 he was elected one of the pt. 3, pp. 148-63. Steuben's ancestry and 'family history are given by A. B. C. Kalkhorst in the Neuo regents of the University of the State of New Zeit, New Ulm, Minn., Sept. 8-i5, 1923, and by Her- York. Always careless in his business affairs mann St6be, "General Steubens Herkunft," in Jahrbuch and extravagant in his charities and hospitali- der Historischen Kommission fur die Provinz Sachsen und fir Anhalt (Magdeburg, 1931). An account of his ties, he went heavily in debt in anticipation of Prussian military service is contained in A. B. C. Kalk- the grant of about $60,000 for his military, serv- horst, "Steubens Dienstzeit in Preussischen Heere," Erie Tageblatt, Sept. 8, 1923. This article gives full ices which he claimed from Congress. In 1786 references from the Prussian Archives. Kapp's history the State of New York granted him I6,ooo acres of Steuben after his arrival in America contains many excerpts from official documents and, in general, is re- of wild land near the present town of Remsen, liable, but much of Steuben's voluminous personal cor- north of Utica. In June I790 the new federal respondence and other valuable materials were not then government granted him a pension of $2500 per accessible. There is much Steuben material in the Washington Papers and the Papers of the Continental year instead of the lump sum which he had ex- Congress in the Lib. of Cong. and in the Old Records pected. Later in the year, through a friendly Division of the War Dept. His personal papers (16 vols.) are in the library of the N. Y. Hist. Soc. Letters mortgage of his New York lands, Alexander from Steuben, both official and personal, are to be Hamilton and other influential friends were a'ble found in almost every public and private collection of to settle the Baron's debts and to relieve him manuscripts relating to the Revolutionary period. His correspondence with his aides-de-camp, William North from bankruptcy. During the remaining years and Benjamin Walker, now widely scattered, gives an of his life he spent his winters in New York City intimate picture of his personality and of his financial indiscretions and difficulties after the Revolution. Much and his summers on his estate in the Mohawk material relating to his New York estate is in the col- country. There he finally died of apoplexy on lection of the Oneida Hist. Soc., Utica, N. Y. J. B. Nov. 28, I794, and there his tomb now is. He Doyle, Frederick William von Steuben and the Ameri- can Revolution (i9'I3), is based on Kapp. J. McA. was never married. In his will he left his estates Palmer has chapters on Steuben in Washington, Lin- in America to his former aides-de-camp, Wil- coln, Wilson (1930), and is preparing a full biography.] liam North and Benjamin Walker (will in Kapp, J. McA. P. p. 702). Steuben's likeness is preserved in contempo- rary portraits by Charles Willson Peale, Ralph Earle, and Pierre Eugene du Simitiere and in 6c 4. ( 1778) The Era of the American Revolution 117

in i775 was too weak to operate as a on 19 June and started in pursuit. Cen. fleet. A successful raid was carried out Charles Lee (who had been exchanged by Hopkins on Nassau (Mar. 1776), but and had returned to the army 20 May) thereafter the Continental Navy gen- was given command of a strong advance erally operated in single units whenever corps (26 June) with orders to press a captain could slip out to sea through home at the first opportunity an attack the British cordon off the American coast. on Clinton's extended column. On the American privateers proved much more 28th Lee attacked near Monmouth Court vexing to the British. The House of House. His orders to Lafayette and Commons was informed (Feb. 1778) Wayne were vague and contradictory that they had taken 733 prizes, but even and early advantages were not followed their numbers declined from 143 in 1775 up. As British reinforcements arrived, to a low of 73 in 1777. The revival of Lee suddenly ordered a retreat, a move American naval operations in 1778 (115 which encouraged Clinton to engage his privateers were in action in that year) main army. Washington's arrival checked was highlighted by the exploits of Capt. the flight of Lee's command and the John Paul Jones (p. 1073) aboard the discipline which Von Steuben had in- Ranger. Jones left Portsmouth, N.H., 2 stilled at Valley Forge showed its worth Nov. 1777 and, after refitting at Nantes when the Americans beat back Clinton's and Brest, sailed into the Irish Sea in repeated attacks. The British, who stole Apr. He took 2 prizes (14-17 Apr.) and away during the night, marched to Sandy then on 23 Apr. landed at Whitehaven, Hook and boarded transports which England, spiked the guns of the fort, and took them to New York. Both sides had set fire to a ship at anchor. That same suffered about 350 casualties at Mon- evening he sailed to St. Mary's Island in mouth. After a court-martial suspended Solway Firth, landing with the intention Lee from the service for disobedience of kidnaping the Earl of Selkirk, who, in and misbehavior (4 July), Washington fact, was not on the island. Jones then led his army northward, crossed the crossed to the coast of northern Ireland, Hudson, and on 30 July took up a posi- where, at Carrickfergus, he forced the tion at White Plains above New York British sloop Drake to strike after an City. hour's battle (24 Apr.) and took it to 3 JULY AND 11 Nov. WYOMING AND Brest (8 May). CHERRY VALLEY MASSACRES. On 28 JUNE. BATTLE OF MON- 3 July Sir John Butler led Loyalists and MOUTH. The agony at Valley Forge Indians in a sweep through Pennsylva- ended for Washington on 19 June. nia's Wyoming Valley. In New York a Though the shrinking American army, series of raids planned by Sir John John- desperately short of food, clothing, and son and Guy Johnson and executed by military supplies, was but 20 miles from Butler's Rangers and Bryant's Indians Philadelphia, Howe made no effort to terrorized the outlying settlements from disperse it during the winter. He was May through the culminating attack on relieved by Clinton (8 May), who, con- Cherry Valley (11 Nov.) in which some cerned over reports of a French fleet 40 survivors were massacred after they heading for America, evacuated Phila- had surrendered. delphia (18 June) and set out across 4 JULY. CLARK'S CAPTURE OF New Jersey toward New York City. KASKASKIA. In the fall of 1777 George Washington broke camp at Valley Forge Rogers Clark (p. 1001), a militia leader 124 The Era of the American Revolution (1781 ) Wilmington to receive reinforcements by la Luzerne, French minister to the U.S., sea. who was also responsible for that section Greene now marched into South Caro- of the instructions which directed the lina, and though defeated at Hobkirk's commission to take no action without Hill (25 Apr.), failed in his siege of the the "knowledge and concurrence" of the British post at Ninety-Six (22 May-19 French ministry and which bound them June), and lost again at Eutaw Springs to "ultimately govern yourselves by their (8 Sept.), he managed (aided by suc- advice and opinion." cesses scored by Marion, Lee, and Sum- 10 MAY-1 Auc. CORNWALLIS' ter in capturing the smaller British posts CAMPAIGN IN VIRGINIA. Convinced in the state) by fall to narrow British that British control could not be restored control in South Carolina to Charleston in the Carolinas while Virginia remained and its immediate vicinity. as a supply and training base for the 2 APR. "MARS" AND "MINERVA." Americans, Cornwallis left Wilmington In Apr. Capt. John Barry (1745-1803), 25 Apr. with 1,500 men and marched returning from France on the Alliance, northward into Virginia. At Petersburg was attacked by 2 British privateers, the (20 May) he joined his small force to a Mars and the Minerva, but soon had body of over 4,000 British troops which forced both to surrender (2 Apr.). On had followed up Arnold's expedition. 29 May, while becalmed, 2 British men- Further reinforcements brought his of-war, the Atalanta and the Trepassy, strength to about 7,500, much superior attacked. Barry was badly wounded but to the small American forces under La- held his rebellious crew to their guns fayette and Von Steuben. He raided until a breeze enabled him to drive deep into Virginia (Tarleton almost between his attackers and force each to captured Gov. Jefferson and the mem- surrender. 1781 also saw a new high in bers of the legislature at Charlottesville, the number of American privateers in 4 June). But as Lafayette was rein- action: 449. By the end of the war forced by Anthony Wayne (10 June) American privateers had accounted for and then joined by Von Steuben (19 about 600 British ships, worth, with their June), Cornwallis turned back to the cargoes, over $18 million. The Conti- coast to establish a base from which he nental Navy captured or destroyed 196 could maintain communication by sea enemy ships during the war. with Clinton's force in New York. He 14 JUNE. U.S. PEACE COMMIS- picked Yorktown, where he arrived 1 SION. On 11 June Congress decided to Aug. entrust the peace negotiations to a com- 21 MAY. MEETING OF WASHING- mission rather than to John Adams alone. TON AND ROCHAMBEAU. At a con- John Jay (13 June), Benjamin Franklin, ference at Wethersfield, Conn., Wash- Henry Laurens (1724-92), and Thomas ington secured Rochambeau's reluctant Jefferson (14 June) were named in ad- consent for a joint attack against New dition to Adams. On 15 June Congress York supported by the French West modified the 1779 peace instructions. Indian fleet under Comte de Grasse. Ro- Only U.S. independence and sovereignty chambeau left de Grasse free either to were deemed essential. Other matters sail to New York or to operate against were to be handled by the commissioners the British in Virginia. Meanwhile the at their discretion without definite bind- French army moved from Rhode Island ing instructions. This change was made and joined Washington's above New largely on the advice of the Chevalier de York (5 July). Before a large-scale at- .... md hm -Tl'f'nd g lii^mlV -.- ~~blaI guard 1? whe Ma -TESTI--IEK- -- l-_toER ...... Wd.to tderngi we.t! to Yort, , where cogrea a tus1rIdomtJ, If d ereed IIi trmy the a^^ undr. bwuap dunge thewun- 'Gelebraing the Mtemory of Baroniu Vonn *- i ariem~h. at~-Vlle .iorge Ins pe OnMorgmn-

(WitLA^ - Monmouth. H. prpaed a manual for . oflnfiBD army. approvedwhic bq Cont KJLUUUWJ. grem In 1i7T, and t ueed the mos .·elbatn .~e Mrthorough dsiNelne. Idn 170 tbe war membaerof the court artUal the 1 -" . ye he wua placed I oommand o the I

CENTEKNIAL OF THE BURNJ1G OF TIE . FORT.F Br1bo to u der Biedlet Arnold. _._ --- _ uInthe summer bh was attached to Ghen. ' .slAfayet' dvislo, and- took prt in u fnuwiy Warin Banners. And F1a Music And Deorati.* omli Several of the 8tatrpaed eaoldion 50...... ;; . acknowledgin hissrvic, and voted -- him tract of land.. New Yoir present- PROCE8aIOuN EPRaEENTIRQ CYVIL GOYv INIsENT, A I- e i w od i^,nloooear Utca, form a township caled from him CULTU BIEAN ) TRAD . 8teuben whereb paseed h remalnder of hiss , gvuing of thelasd " -. " W ,''. to his aids, ad lea. lag the remainder. Lare Ateroon Gathering ot People Arte.At Beker's^ ok the - MrCO y ondTy-morn i'ge a cuing * inf while In every direction the sound of tie hammer was heard paufng up A.O fBtC mY LEKAEIN4 LOCAL OKAT& U ·-A 6SEAT DAY ALL the decoraIous, whichb were quite elab rlate and general. Turner Hall inside AuNDB. and out wir oramentedu by pictures, .I~tCBP'I vergr e dIevenan nners, ud &a ever- |&rW8Eot4VILLE D/ilLwY Hl-{BRALon 25 A o oeSaend reciting the Monday opena with sunshine, waving banrs, the. music of bands, and gath- t Fot eu was erected In ering crowds to celebrate the memory of Baron Steben, the Pruian older hs meory n 1787 wstretched r who aided the American came so nobly in the revolutionary war. It albe con. nters on of huirand mkt memorates the destruction of er t Steuben which the Goernment had erected il rosl on tho site of the present city of Steauenvilfe, for he protecton of the surveyor deorted, ad fwerefl g ro who were already at work preparinx the terrtery northwet of the Obhio for et- l the. publ buildings. Business tiemeuit A ketch of this on and the man aer whom It wa named pproprl- ho nriate dwellngs vied with ely preoedes an cooont of oelebraion itel. A early u 1786 Captain HamS ech other in ding hon tothe oca ranock, of the United State army erected a blockhouse at this point as a place n, and the German lorsin many of refuge and to aid in the work of the surveyo. In February of the following caes blended with te American. year the lorfficaUon was completed. It wa loc on the sond banko f the Where all wasso uniformly good it rier where Hih street now runs, the rear probably ben the wetf line of Hon. wouId be Invidiousto me pecial di J. H. Miller's prorty at the cornmer of High and Adams street. It gner- Unction, s to sayn that early all lly been suposd to extend from there nonrhward although ev

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Ivii,1 War i Day Celebration .th'iollowi ng has' been received' frotifr COlonhel R.· C. ''.1wi * DU .. wEYUI.tEIES. Morgan, brother':of erat JohibI 1I.i Morgarn ' : ; ·.i i ,,-:. ·* , .'' .' . . . -". Mr. Jos. B. Doyl'.i:.-:.'.: , by *Secretary Stantbo i .,ir t . '.'i .BalOn., Steiibi' portrait soc°lation;, S teulei Eti'::al F.?'.'. Aindrews :arrived frolm Portrait of Steuben | - * My tiar Sir:-. 'Wa'hiniigto Tulesday ::i'orniig. ;, t from the ctj is liyly iS "..not':'. l asflsoy a,t te Fi"lsonisttuldio awaiting more promi.r-y., ."ei' 'i0 From Flrt Ps.ge. jt itsaii: it it bi'rllaxit in coloring, ulost courteous itnvita:t'i'ffi't Cirei \ Cont.lnuud :ent at the celehration to be.ti'. t bl;:y cxcy'eiS :exleven the ar- c...... -. ranyliTeerf olir .d a ani your city on July 25. .' . anli·niorin1t fI&' nlr¶ri#iTi or'.n-,pTrite.art'iie o soldierc titE6' POSrWk Iiin thie past. The por-. * i fitlvr y n'A"P~f-tti- Ruc on that. painted by{ to appreciate ang rEt',v,...-.. trait isjbed -,With very lkindest regardas .. IIr,.tcLtUt lu TOtl., ,feelinR. * ...... best wishes for the sucRes of Di'atie, and-lnowN the property and ;.amels your celebration, of t-; lattet's ranadson, George W. Since.r.ly yours, - itealtnrstoanigh- of Schenietady, 1 -BASiiLw. Di Ki.. N. t. It" iis not,.Ai:wever, a copy of Post oards will be issued in a few product tli.te&lder poritrait, but the days slfowing Morgani's route, rough this cohnty, and an oultline *.nd. *ch .:inar--l- th i".Tioii pl^ures for the Three :inorm n:.aS was owsbtainable. The of the genernl program i.....^..-'....I . i...... : :.-.. \Va;rs Commemoration. The meeting of the Trustees of the Stant'on Monument Association fIt the Coiurt lottse Thursday at. 4 p. m., Is a specially important one,| and attendance of every member il! necessary. .l ust seven weeks until the grent '*.emonstration. t| ,_ _- V I IlA : l . 1.4v v-npUULO AUUA'·L"LI ' . contrast to. the fashions of today.i ''llue Bati'ol iB ulj8t. uuIIi oIL l *s~.s '.!' front of a baltstrade, with ' heavy| foliage andil. thc udson river andl West Point .hills in the distance.| Steubenvillle is to be congraturatedi on receeliu.g 'lhch a work of art, wh ich wiIl bd a worlhy com.panion .o those: al'sady received and othe,rs| in tho.n:;e'proi',?:iospect. . Mr. Andre.ws, w'rilting to J.uldge · lCerir i'cenifing. tli lpictutre, says lhe wtife .''o the Piresident came to' see it ;p:d Wivas muuch delighted with it. '.".I"'' : .' II Artist/ ;ilson lias lte Clark alnd wVllati 1nc-;.ir- we.ll, under way,' which, .,wtth the' Steuben portrait, will m 'a -:t6ie;rcy harrd; to excel. Mnr. Fiusa0n w1l also present a re-, iProlduction -of !iils historic group of, .1,200 fornier 'Steuben;,v',,,, . . .,ile .'citizens, , .. ,,, .} . ., . ^... SI~~~~~~~~I~~~~~SUB OJBTi MONl.MOND.N Il II2~~~~~~~~~~A

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:.ldln t P.ostoI bordet. -0 this"tlellt cit? ' 'cth;o.i had Stert-inporarlyuben (SotOctoer r. sidlng Jtbhin' itt bor4eri Ocher McCleili;foti Von Steuben (Stol- ben) ot Bethlehem, Pa&' His famo lyr tI relitd ;back In Prutsli to the tame4 Baron Vou Steubenl the Prussian ,drillmuter ot the Con-. tlnental ,rmies, 'for'. rhomFort Steuben here was tfatned, and also our clt."Mr. Vou-Steuben's rarq. father s,;born la, th U.8. aiWn how close the relttlonablp to.-l Baron is he has never apeCrtalte4 .. iturally he is interested' 1 the name ofthis city and the fact that a fort Wa. located here of the family zame. Mr.. Von stetuit has been here lnstallinu chagqo'w In the scales at the V, 8 potto' flc and he Is awaiting thei arIyil ot an tdector to chealc'up ont ,work., He _.Js in the eamploTot Thomas W, Clrsel of 3BiethleoWb Pa'., whit.' Charle' Bchwab's timt It locatd, and whereo t located the Moravlaun church,. which .aI the- most beautiful Easter. eat S[ mones .,extant .. .

(AJAte 9/ /qL7 . : 4 ~.I I-- - = i ---r- A--: novation in the American army Steuben asked for power to cor- where officers scorned drilling re- rect these abuses, but some of his cruits as a work of a sergeant. requests seemed to trend upon Steuben made rapid progress the rights of other officers. These with the men. They began to feel complained to Washington, who a pride in being soldiers. Wash- found it expedient to curtail the ington in general orders praised powers of the inspector-general. the men, thanked Steuben. : - ;; :: .:,- **: *: But there was other real worlk MEANWHILE the army was dem- besides drilling for the German onstrating the effectiveness of officer. The internal administra- Steubens' : training. Lafeyette tion of a regiment and a com- saved-his men in:May 1778 by an pany was a thing completely un- orderly retreat in which the good known. The number of men in discipline was : manifest. Washing- these units was fixed by congress. --- .~ But there was a constant ebb and flow. Sometimes a regiment was 3tronger than a brigade,- sor - times it contained but 30 men ai .company consisted of but a cor oral. -. .:: ,:-'- -; .'- Men were scattered about ever, where and .each officer claim$ one, many two and three. Thi many hundred soldiers were cor verted into valets for the officeri Leaves of absence were given. -I colonels and sometimes byb- cap :alns at will. ;, ' '* i -.Equipment' disappeared- as .wai rnatursl-- i i-h the constantly chang or. every. cam4 / e to eight:. :thousand1 - ,",ired-:to!- rp -"' The Baron Von Steuben Page 1 of 3

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A SHORT SKETCH OF FRIEDRICH WILHELM AGUSTUS Von STEUBEN

contributed by Charles Green

Von Steuben was born in Madgeburg, Prussia in 1730, a son of Wilhelm Von Steu Mary Dorthea Von Iagow. His early schooling was by Jesuits in Breslau, but at age was with his father, who was serving under Frederick the Great, at the siege of Prag 1746 Steuben became a soldier and was promoted to ensign in 1749. In May of 1757, a lieutenant, he was wounded at the second battle of Prague. After he recovered from h injury he was able to participate in the Battle of Rossbach in November of 1757. I quit the army and entered the service of General John Mayr who was a prominent sold fortune. It was from General Mayr that Steuben learned the infantry tactics that h later apply to the American Colonial Army. General Mayr died in January 1759 and St returned to the regular army where he was promoted to captain. During a battle at Ku in July of 1759, Steuben was again slightly wounded. With the ending of the Seven Ye in February 1753, Steuben was discharged and for the next few years he spent his tim around the European countries visiting some of the wealthy and prominent families of time. During 1777 Steuben, who had been looking for an army unit to join, was in Pa he met Benjamin Franklin, who was in Paris trying to get French assistance for the A Revolution. Franklin notified General George Washington about the "Lieutenant G and Steuben was invited to the colonies to meet with Washington. Steuben arrive ship Flamand, on December 1, 1777, at Portsmouth, New Hampshire with his secretary a aide-de-camp. A few days later von Steuben sent a short note to the Continental Co York, Pennsylvania and, to General Washington, which is a classic and is repeated he

Honorable Gentlemen: The honor of serving a nation engaged the noble enterprise of defending its rights and liberties, was t that brought me to this continent. I ask neither riches nor title come here from the remotest end of Germany, at my own expense, an given up an honorable and lucrative rank. I have made no conditio your deputies in France, nor shall I make with you. My only ambit serve you as a volunteer, to deserve the confidence of your gene chief, and to follow him in all his operations, as I have done du seven campaigns with the King of Prussia. Two and twenty years in such a school seem to give me a right of thinking mysel the number of experienced officers; and if I am possessed of th ments of the art of war, they will be much more prized by me if I c them in the service of a republic such as I hope soon to see in Ame should willingly purchase, at the expense of my blood, the hono having my name enrolled among those of the defenders of your libert gracious acceptance will be sufficient for me, and I ask no othe than to be received among your officers. I venture to hope that you this, my request, and you will be so good as to send me your orders where I shall await them, and take suitable measures in accordance.

This was too brilliant of a letter to have been written by a German, who spoke and whose secretary, Duponceau, was also inexperienced in English. So, who compose letter? McAuley Palmer, author of the biography, "General von Steuben", credits Ben

http://www.rootsweb. com/-ohj efogs/vonsteuben.htm 4/5/2002 The Baron Von Steuben Page 2 of 3

Franklin with being the author. The letter does have the writing flourish of Frankl so impressed the Continental Congress that they passed a resolution, on January 14, accepting the services of von Steuben. The Agreement between the congress and von simply stated that Steuben wanted to volunteer and he wanted no rank or pay. He only his expenses to be paid and, if the States should not win their freedom, the congres him nothing. But, should the patriots win the war, then von Steuben expected to rec remuneration for his services and sacrifices. Thus, the Prussian Captain has now "a rank of Lieutenant General, he has been accepted into the Colonial Army and is bein to serve with General George Washington at Valley Forge.

When he arrived at Valley Forge on February 23, he was appalled by the conditi army. There was no accountability for supplies, officers were not sure of the numb under their command, some men had no clothing, some men had no weapons and there was complete lack of discipline. The troops were in the habit of coming and going as th pleased and the ones who lived nearby would just walk away and return to their homes they would tend their cattle and perform other farm duties. Von Steuben immediately control and became a drill sergeant. He started teaching marching, marksmanship an tactics. He introduced small unit tactics by hand picking 100 men, training them a them go out and train others. He taught camp sanitary conditions by establishing latrines, away from the tent areas, for all the soldiers to use. He had the men se tents in rows so the camp began to have a military structured appearance. In von St writings he makes the statement, "It would be an endless task to enumerate the abuse nearly ruined the army."

Two of Steuben's biggest supporters in his training scheme were Nathaniel Gr Alexander Hamilton. Steuben, who could speak almost no English, could communicate Greene and Hamilton in French, and it was these two patriots who would pass on his o the other officers. Greene, Hamilton, Laurens and Steuben worked long hours establ the specific duties for officers, for the guards and outlining troop maneuvers.

On April 30, 1778, General Washington recommended, to Congress, that von Steu appointed Inspector General of the Army. Congress complied and in May 1778, the Pru Captain was now a legitimate general. One of von Steuben's first problems came fro Generals LaFayette, Lee and Mifflin who did not have the degree of respect for von S methods as did Washington. They felt that they were being interfered with in the tra troops under their command, but Steuben continued to perform his duties and he maint the respect of General Washington.

Steuben wrote a training manual that was called 'The Blue Book', or, more fo "Regulations For The Order And Discipline Of The Troops". The book included detail instructions for the discipline and conduct of officers and enlistees, as well as or of units, and all related issues. Washington approved the book and printing commen three thousand copies that had been ordered by Congress.

During the winter of 1779-80, General Washington sent von Steuben to appear b Congress for the purpose of getting their permission on the reorganization of the a the spring von Steuben was in Virginia where he assisted LaFayette with Virginia Con troops. During the battle at Yorktown he commanded a division and after the war ende Washington devised a plan for the defense of the Colonies. The army was being demobi 1783 and von Steuben was discharged in 1784 and was granted American citizenship by act of the Pennsylvania Legislature.

He was considered somewhat of a hero and was charming to the ladies. Von Steu witty and amusing and dinner invitations came often from the prominent society famil the area. He was also generous, to a fault, and was connected with an organization provided food and shelter for poor Germans.

He moved to New York City and took up residence on what is now 57th Street but the next few years he resided at several different locations in the city, mainly due lack of finances. The Baron received a pension from the government in 1790 and this

http://www.rootsweb.com/~ohj efogs/vonsteuben.htm 4/5/2002 The Baron Von Steuben Page 3 of 3

him to move to a plot of land in Oneida country. One other bit of honor was that o naming of a fort in the Northwestern Territories after him.

During the summer of 1786, General Hamtramck and Major North determined that t area north of Mingo Bottom and where Steubenville is now located was the ideal site Construction began on the blockhouse and it was completed in September. Over the ne months the blockhouse was expanded until it measured 150 feet on a side with sleepi for the troops. The fort was named Fort Steuben, in honor of the Prussian officer, a provided a shelter for the settlers until 1790 when it caught fire and was destroyed

On November 28th, 1794, the Baron unexpectedly passed away from a stroke. St body was wrapped in his military cloak and on Saturday, November 29, the General was rest beneath a tree on his estate. Von Steuben never married and it was rumored tha the reasons that he came to America in 1777 was because of a broken romance in Europ

The desecration of Steuben's grave must be mentioned here. During the early 19 it was determined that a new road was to be built across the von Steuben estate. Th laid out the road in such a manner that it would cross over the burial site. During grading, the coffin was uncovered and neighbors opened it to obtain pieces of the Ge military cloak. Steuben's friend, Benjamin Walker, had the coffin dug up and reburi back in the woods in a fenced site which is under the perpetual care and protection group.

To fully relate the accomplishments and achievements of General von would take more space than is available in this publication. We sometim the contributions of these patriots, to the freedom we enjoy today, and article serves as a reminder to those who served...... Ch

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http ://www.rootsweb.com/~ohj efogs/vonsteuben.htm 4/5/2002 The Will of Baron von Steuben The General died on November 28. 1794 and was buried near a large tree on his sixteen thousand acre estate which had been given to him by the New York government. across the Several months ago, while reading some Library of SeVeral 'ears later, as a road was being constructed a site near where his Congress records. on the internct. I found the will of gravesite. his remains were removed to by an Baron von Steuben posted. It was especially interesting log house was located. The gravesite is now surrounded marker. since the General had no descendents and he seems to iron fence and is marked with a single, plain stone have accumulated a large amount of wealth after his retirement. The wvill is also unusual since he announces that he is adopting his "aids du camp" as his children and also mentions that he is "excluding his relations in Europe" which may indicate some family problems. JCHA NEWSLETTER VOL 17 #1 2001 I, Frederick William Baron de Steuben, of the city and state of New- York. do make this my last will and testament. Sufficient reasons having determined me to exclude my relations in Europe from any participation of my estate in America, and to adopt my friends and former aid du camps Benjamin Walker and William North as my children, and make them sole devisees of all my estates therein except as herein afterwards is otherwise diposed of. In consequence thereof I bequeath to the said Benjamin Walker the sum of three thousand dollars and the gold hilted sword given me by Congress. To the said William North I bequeath the silver hilted sword and the gold box given to me by the City of New York. To John J. Mulligan I bequeath the whole of my library, maps and charts and the sum of twenty-five hundred dollars to complete it. And to each of my servants, living with me at the time of my decease, one years wages and besides this to my valet de chambre, all my wearing apparel; but I do hereby declare that those legacys to my servants are on the following conditions; that on my decease they do not let any person touch my body, not even to change the shirt in which I shall die, they shall wrap me in my old military cloak, and in twenty four hours after my decease bury me in such a spot as I shall before my decease point out to them and they shall never acquaint any person with the place where I shall be buried. And lastly, I do give, devise and bequeath all the rest and residue of my estate, real and personal, after the payment of my debts and the legacies aforesaid to the said Benjamin Walker and William North, to hold to them their heirs, executors and administrators, share and share alike, hereby appointing the aforesaid Benjamin Walker and William North executors of this my last will and testament, and revoking all former wills by me heretofore made. New York Februar 12, 1794 Steu.nw