17 April 1781

Von Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, 1730-1794

Letter signed

Title: to Thomas Jefferson

Written by Major General von Steuben to Jefferson as Governor of Virginia. Says General Mitchell will present a list of men now under General Muhlenberg and report on who is about to leave. Mitchell will also communicate von Steuben's defensive plans for Virginia. Says his plan will require at least the number of men he has already requested. Reports that Colonel Armand's corps has returned and that General Muhlenberg is almost without calvary.

GLC06424

18 September 1788

Von Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, 1730-1794

Letter signed

Title: to William North

Whimsical letter written by Von Steuben in retirement and in debt in New York to his former aide North, who was also in retirement at Duanesburg, New York. Refers to North as "my dear Bill." Looks back on the last year. Mentions that "you did cut your name & mine, in a Big tree" and that the Constitution was signed. Says ten years ago Burgoyne surrendered at Saratoga. Says nothing is decided by Congress, in reference to an application for a pension still pending before that body. Says he is going to winter with Armstrong and that they are going to take the corner house at Nassau Street…

GLC02542.12

February 3, 1781

Von Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, 1730-1794

Letter signed

Title: to Nathanael Greene

Written by Von Steuben as the senior Continental officer in Virginia to General Greene as commander in the Southern Department. References Greene's letter of January 24, 1781. Congratulates Greene on his army's recent victory at Cowpens and in the race to the Dan River. Says the traitorous General Benedict Arnold's incursions in Virginia were causing him problems and keeping him from reinforcing Greene's army. Says the troops he wanted to send off on January 15, 1781 will not be ready until February 20, 1781. Mentions changes in his command and says General Robert Lawson will relieve General…

GLC00140

October 14, 1784

Von Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, 1730-1794

Letter signed

Title: to John Hancock

Written by von Steuben in retirement after resigning his commission in March 1784 to Hancock as Governor of Massachusetts. Says he is writing to secure his prospects for a satisfactory retirement. Says he is waiting to hear if the United States government will provide him with monetary support for his service during the Revolution. Says he is tired of the "bussle of ambition" and hopes for rest, but wants to remain in America as a citizen. If he is not made a citizen he will have to return to Europe. Lists his merits, even though he says it is "an undelicate task." Says "It is the practice…

GLC00598

February 25, 1783

Von Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, 1730-1794

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Major General von Steuben to Major General Knox. Reports that "In all proba[b]ility the Peace is signed." Says "At present all our lost Battles are turned to Victories. Great Britain acknowledges our Independence, may other nations acknowledge that we are worthy to be free." Says America's first impressions are important as they will decide "whether we shall be respected as an Empire or be despised as a Banditti." Says the situation of the army and the news of peace are all that are talked about. Wants to know what will happen if Congress disperses the army without pay. Presents a…

GLC02437.01952