Von Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, 1730-1794 to John Hancock
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00598 Author/Creator: Von Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, 1730-1794 Place Written: New York, New York Type: Letter signed Date: October 14, 1784 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 32 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
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 of all nations to bestow ample rewards on foreigners who have served them usefully - can the American Government after a conflict which gave them Independence, refuse to make such a provision for me[?]" Says he is writing to gain support from various public bodies in the states to support his application to Congress because he knows that body is "diffident" to measures not agreeable to their constituents. Silked for preservation and slightly age-stained.
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