Von Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, 1730-1794 to Henry Knox
Order a pdf of this item here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01952 Author/Creator: Von Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, 1730-1794 Place Written: Schuylkill, Pennsylvania Type: Manuscript letter signed Date: February 25, 1783 Pagination: 4 p. : Height: 23.5 cm, Width: 19.4 cm Order a Copy
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 plan for Knox's consideration: after peace is officially announced, wants the army to present an address to Congress that is strongly worded, "that neither Officers nor soldiers have the least doubt that there services will be recompensed." Says Washington should also take an address to Congress. Claims "This demand will shelter Congress from the unjust claims of the people." Has also reported this plan to General McDougall.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.